Published: 20:08, January 15, 2024 | Updated: 20:18, January 15, 2024
China slams EU decision in biased anti-subsidy investigation
By Wang Keju

People visit the BYD booth at the 2023 International Motor Show, officially known as the IAA MOBILITY 2023, in Munich, Germany, Sept 8, 2023. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

China has expressed its strong opposition to the European Union's decision to initiate an anti-subsidy investigation targeting Chinese electric vehicles and hopes that the EU will support China's high-quality renewable energy products in their contribution to global emission reduction efforts, said Commerce Minister Wang Wentao.

China is also willing to expand cooperation with Europe in the digital and innovation sectors, Wang said at a routable with Belgian enterprises in Beijing on Friday, urging the EU to promote trade balance and ease export restrictions on high-tech products, according to a statement released by the ministry on Monday.

China's new energy industry has made positive contributions to global and EU green transitions, and the EU's allegations of "overcapacity" in China's EV sector are unfounded

The trade patterns between China and Belgium, as well as with the EU, are shaped by multiple factors such as industrial structures and market demands, Wang said, stressing that China never pursues trade surpluses as a deliberate policy objective.

READ MORE: Despite anti-subsidy probe, China-Europe EV ties expanding

China has taken proactive measures to demonstrate its commitment to expanding imports through initiatives such as the China International Import Expo from Belgium and other economies in the EU, Wang added.

China's new energy industry has made positive contributions to global and EU green transitions, and the EU's allegations of "overcapacity" in China's EV sector are unfounded, Wang said.

Businesses possess the ability to assess and manage risks in their operations and investment decisions. Excessive government intervention, on the other hand, can result in greater uncertainty and risks, Wang said.

READ MORE: Beijing: EU's probe into Chinese EVs typical act of protectionism

Acknowledging great confidence in the prospects of China's economic development and its business environment, Belgian enterprises participating in the roundtable expressed their willingness to further promote economic and trade cooperation between Belgium and China, as well as between Europe and China, according to the statement.