China’s Ministry of Commerce has rejected claims by a European Union (EU) official that Beijing was reluctant to engage in consultations over electric vehicle (EV) tariffs. In a statement released on Monday, the ministry described the remarks as “seriously inconsistent with the facts.”
The response came after Jorge Toledo Albinana, the EU’s ambassador to China, suggested that China had only recently sought discussions on the matter, despite the EU’s attempts to engage for months. The EU launched an anti-subsidy probe into Chinese EVs in October 2023, citing concerns over state subsidies and market distortions.
A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce emphasized that China has consistently expressed strong opposition to the probe on both bilateral and multilateral platforms. “China has demonstrated its utmost sincerity,” the spokesperson stated, highlighting numerous face-to-face meetings and correspondence between top leaders and ministers over the past months.
“We hope the European side will make joint efforts, demonstrate sincerity, advance the consultation process, and reach a mutually acceptable solution as soon as possible,” the spokesperson added.
China warned that trade protectionist measures could hinder the development of global green industries and cooperation in the automotive sector. “All countries should work together to promote the green transformation of the economy,” the ministry urged.
The spokesperson also noted China’s strong opposition to “any unilateralist and protectionist practices that politicize or weaponize trade issues.” The ministry affirmed that China would “take all necessary measures to safeguard its own interests” in response to actions that abuse trade rules and suppress China.
The dispute underscores rising trade tensions between China and the EU, particularly in the rapidly growing EV market. As both parties navigate the complexities of green technology and fair competition, the outcome of these consultations could have significant implications for the global automotive industry.
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China refutes alleged reluctance to consult with EU on EV tariffs
cgtn.com
