China has firmly refuted claims by a European Union (EU) official suggesting that China was reluctant to engage in consultations regarding electric vehicle (EV) tariffs.
On Monday, a spokesperson for China\u0027s Ministry of Commerce responded to remarks made by Jorge Toledo Albi\u00f1ana, the EU\u0027s Ambassador to China, who indicated that China had not sought consultations until recently despite months of EU attempts to engage.
The spokesperson stated that such comments were “seriously inconsistent with the facts.” China has expressed strong opposition to the EU\u0027s anti-subsidy probe into Chinese EVs since it was launched in October 2023, both in bilateral and multilateral forums.
“China has demonstrated its utmost sincerity,” the spokesperson emphasized, citing numerous bilateral exchanges, including face-to-face meetings and correspondence between top leaders and at ministerial levels over the past months.
The ministry urged the European side to show equal sincerity, advance the consultation process, and strive for a mutually acceptable solution as soon as possible.
Highlighting the global importance of green industries, the spokesperson remarked, “Trade protectionist measures are detrimental to the development of global green industries and cooperation in the automotive industry. All countries should work together to promote the green transformation of the economy.”
The spokesperson also expressed China\u0027s firm opposition to “any unilateralist and protectionist practices that politicize or weaponize trade issues.” They noted that in response to any actions that abuse international rules and suppress China, the country would “take all necessary measures to safeguard its own interests.”
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China refutes alleged reluctance to consult with EU on EV tariffs
cgtn.com
