China always supports and encourages normal economic, trade and investment cooperation between China and the European Union (EU) in the automobile industry, for mutual benefit and win-win results, according to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce .
At a press conference held on Thursday, He Yadong, spokesperson for the ministry, made the remarks in response to a question regarding Chinese automakers’ business expansion and investment plans in Europe, following the EU’s decision to impose heavy additional customs duties on electric vehicles (EVs) originating in China.
“China always adopts an attitude of openness and cooperation, adheres to the role of market leadership and full competition, and realizes cooperation with relevant countries in the EV industry through means such as trade, investment and technological cooperation, to jointly maintain the stability of the global automotive industry’s industrial and supply chains,” the spokesperson said.
He added that China is committed to a green and low-carbon transition and joint efforts to address climate change.
From Wednesday, the additional EU rights will apply for a period of five years. The move to impose definitive countervailing duties on EVs from China has sparked strong opposition, with China calling the measure “unfair, unreasonable and non-objective.”
He reiterated China’s position on the EU decision on Thursday, saying the imposition of definitive duties did not comply with World Trade Organization rules and did not address key concerns of industries. Chinese and European, and that China neither approved nor accepted it.
