The investigation opened by the EU worried China

China expressed its displeasure with the fact that the European Union (EU) has launched an investigation into subsidies for imported electric cars.

In its statement on the issue, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce argued that the investigation decision was not based on sufficient evidence and did not comply with World Trade Organization regulations.

The statement stated that China was “very disturbed” by the investigation decision and that the investigation “caused great harm to China’s interests.”

In the statement, it was emphasized that the EU authorities gave China too short a time for negotiations and did not provide the materials that would form the basis for the negotiations, noting that China will closely follow the investigation process and protect human rights. and legitimate interests. of Chinese companies.

In the statement, the EU was called on to maintain the stability of industry and global supply chains and to implement trade measures prudently.

REACTION OF CAR MANUFACTURERS

In its statement, the Chinese Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) described the EU investigation as “a clear attempt at protectionism” and said it would harm the global industry and supply chains.

The statement argued that the investigation would slow the development of the electric car industry in Europe and the world and disrupt global efforts to become carbon neutral.

Noting that China is the largest market for European car companies outside the union and that the electric car industry in China has made great progress in recent years, it was stressed that the market, where there is intense competition between companies, does not It is based on subsidies, incentives or protection.

The statement stated that the Chinese automobile industry is willing to communicate with its counterparts in Europe to strengthen and develop cooperation, adding that “China and European automobile industries are partners, not competitors, and fair competition is needed for mutual development, not protectionism”. “

Last month, the EU Commission announced that it would launch an investigation into the competitive impact of state subsidies for electric car manufacturers in China, and official notification of the investigation was published in the EU Official Journal on 4 October. (AA)