China to review complaint over ‘biased practices’ from EU, adding heat to already sizzling dispute

Thursday’s announcement marks the latest twist in a pitched battle over trade, the first salvo of which was launched when the EU revealed it planned to levy tariffs against imports of some electric vehicles from China. The East Asian powerhouse responded in kind, launching an anti-dumping investigation into European pork.

“We are paying close attention to the anti-subsidy regulation of the EU, which has had huge impact on Chinese companies that export and invest in the bloc,” He said.

“We’ve expressed our strong dissatisfaction and opposition many times.”

The CCCME issued a press statement on June 12 that expressed “strong opposition” towards EU anti-subsidy tariffs – up to 38 per cent beginning July 4 – on three Chinese EV makers.

It also openly questioned the result of Brussels’ investigation, saying the process was “full of flaws” and claiming the European Commission did not follow typical sampling practices, name its sources or publicise comprehensive data related to the EU’s own EV sector.

China, through its subsequent probe into pork imports, has levelled allegations of “overcapacity” and excessive subsidies – an echo of charges made against it by Western leaders.
The complaint follows a meeting last week between Chinese commerce minister Wang Wentao and Valdis Dombrovskis, executive vice-president of the European Commission and European commissioner for trade. The two are negotiating over the details of the EU’s anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese EVs.

“At present, the working teams of both sides are maintaining close communications and pushing ahead with the negotiations,” He Yadong said.

The spokesman added that cooperation between the EU and China should be “win-win” and “supplementary”, and both sides have “ample space” to work together in the green transition.

“Both sides should avoid trade frictions that would negatively impact bilateral trade and investment.”