EU urged to seek 'win-win' tariff position

Imposing duties has never effectively addressed trade issues, ex-official says

The European Union should adopt a mutually beneficial approach to resolve the trade issue over its anti-subsidy case with Chinese electric vehicles, as such an approach aligns with the bloc's interests, said Wei Jianguo, China's former vice-minister of commerce.

Imposing tariffs has never effectively addressed trade issues. Instead, it burdens consumers on both sides and fails to foster greater economic cooperation, said Wei, who is also a member of the senior expert consulting committee at the Beijing-based China Center for International Economic Exchanges.

Wei's remarks are in response to the EU's wavering stance on imposing tariffs on Chinese EVs. He said Brussels' inconsistent approach is influenced by the United States' position on China and an attempt to contain China's development.