China has voiced strong opposition to the European Union’s plan to impose additional tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) imported from China, warning that such measures would undermine global efforts to combat climate change and hinder the EU’s own green transition.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Li Chao, spokesperson for China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), criticized the EU’s plan as “weaponized and politicized,” stating that it jeopardizes fair competition under the guise of safeguarding it.
On June 12, the European Commission unveiled a preliminary decision to impose provisional tariffs ranging from 17.4 percent to 38.1 percent on Chinese EV imports following an anti-subsidy investigation. These duties would be in addition to the standard 10 percent vehicle duty already applied.
Li warned that the proposed tariffs, if implemented, would not only harm Chinese enterprises but also impede the long-term healthy development of EU companies. He emphasized that such actions could disrupt and distort the global automotive industry and supply chains, including those within the EU.
“These measures would harm the interests of EU consumers, exacerbate the EU’s dependence on foreign fossil fuels, and hinder its green and low-carbon transformation efforts,” Li added.
China supports automotive companies from all countries participating in fair competition and is committed to maintaining the stability of the global automotive industry and supply chains, according to Li.
He expressed hope that the EU would act prudently, respect basic economic laws and World Trade Organization rules, consider the interests of its own industries, and rectify what he described as “erroneous practices.”
Reference(s):
Official: EU harming itself with tariff plan targeting Chinese EVs
cgtn.com
