This photo taken on Feb 24, 2023 shows the assembly line of GAC Aion, an NEV subsidiary of Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (GAC Group), in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province. Photo: Xinhua

China's Foreign Ministry (FM) on Wednesday warned that the EU's anti-subsidy investigation of Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) violate the principles of the market economy and international trade rules, and will harm EU's self-interests. 

Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the FM, made the remarks during a regular press conference on Wednesday, responding to a recent Financial Times report stating that the European Commission (EC) will impose additional duties of up to 25 percent on imported Chinese EVs from next month.

Lin emphasized that EU's anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese EVs is an act of protectionism.

The proposed additional tariffs violate the principles of the market economy and international trade rules, damages China-EU economic and trade cooperation, and will ultimately harm Europe's own interests, the spokesperson noted. 

"In recent times, political representatives from many European countries have expressed opposition to the EC's investigation, arguing that it is wrong to protect the European industry by raising taxes on Chinese EVs," Lin said, adding that China urged European side to fulfill commitments of supporting free trade and opposing protectionism to stabilize China-Europe cooperation, and China is ready to take necessary measures to safeguard its legal interests.

The EC is expected this week to disclose the tariffs it plans to impose on Chinese EVs due to what it says are excessive subsidies, according to a Reuters report on Monday. 

The move would follow a decision by Washington to raise tariffs on Chinese EVs to 100 percent in May. In contrast, officials from some EU member countries such as Germany and Sweden have voiced opposition to the proposed tariffs.

During a press conference in Sweden on May 14, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated they opposed the tariffs.

Lin said on Tuesday that China will not stand idly by and will take all necessary measures to defend its legitimate rights and interests, if the EU persists in imposing tariffs on Chinese EVs.

Global Times