China firmly opposes EV probe by EU

Move lacks evidence, not in line with WTO rules, Commerce Ministry says

The Ministry of Commerce expressed strong dissatisfaction on Wednesday over the European Union's anti-subsidy investigation into electric vehicle imports from China, saying the move lacks sufficient evidence and is inconsistent with relevant World Trade Organization rules. The EU, which had announced its probe decision last month, formally launched the investigation on Wednesday.

In response, the ministry said in a statement on its website that the EU had asked China to negotiate within a very short period of time but failed to provide "effective materials" for negotiations, which severely damaged the interests of China.

China urges the EU to maintain the stability of global industrial and supply chains and the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership, as well as use trade remedy measures prudently, the ministry said. China also encourages deepening cooperation in the new energy industry, represented by EVs, to create a "fair, nondiscriminatory and predictable" market environment for the common development of the China-EU EV industry, it said. The ministry added that China will pay close attention to the EU's follow-up investigation procedures and firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.