China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) has expressed serious concern and strong opposition to the EU's investigation into Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers over subsidies, calling the EU's behavior "blatant protectionism."
The investigative measures planned by the EU are actually aimed to protect its own industry in the name of "fair competition." It is an act of blatant protectionism that will seriously disrupt and distort the global automotive and supply chain, and have a negative impact on China-EU economic and trade ties, MOFCOM said in a statement on Thursday.
The comment came after the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Wednesday that the EU is launching a probe into Chinese EVs, claiming the prices of imported Chinese vehicles are being kept "artificially low by huge state subsidies."
China urged the EU to engage in dialogue and consultation with China, considering the big picture of maintaining stability of global industrial and supply chains and China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership, so as to "create a fair, non-discriminatory and predictable market environment for the common development of the China-EU EV industry," MOFCOM said.
It added that China will pay close attention to the EU's protectionist tendencies and follow-up actions, firmly safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese firms.
In recent years, China's EV industry has seen rapid development thanks to its unremitting technological innovation and building up of a complete industrial chain and supply chain. The competitive advantage it has forged is through hard work, which has been favored by consumers including the EU, meanwhile it has made great contributions to the global response to climate change and green transformation.
Chinese and European automobile industries share extensive space for cooperation and common interests. After years of development, the two sides have had a stake in each other's future, the MOFCOM said.
At this year's International Motor Show (IAA) in Munich, Germany, more than 70 Chinese carmakers and suppliers showcased their products and services, having a strong presence in the international fair.
According to auto consultancy Inovev, 8 percent of new EVs sold in Europe so far this year were Chinese, up from 6 percent in 2022, and 4 percent in 2021.
In 2022, the European market accounted for nearly half of China's total new-energy vehicle exports, data from the China Passenger Car Association showed.
Prior to the MOFCOM's response, the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU (CCCEU) on Wednesday expressed same opposition to the EU's planned investigative measures.
"We strongly encourage the EU to treat the progress of China's EV industry with objectivity rather than resorting to unilateral trade measures that could obstruct the development and ramp up operational costs of Chinese EVs within the European market," according to a statement issued by the CCCEU.
（Picture: Veer）
