China opposes trade barriers, seeks global EV cooperation: spokesperson

In response to some "headwinds" for China's electric vehicle exports, the Chinese Foreign Ministry voiced opposition against the trade protectionism measures, advocating for cooperation and mutual benefit in the industry.

Protectionism and trade barriers violate the principle of market economy and the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO) under pretext of "fair competition" and "national security," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a regular presser in Beijing on Friday.

Electric vehicles are a globalized industry; only division of labor and cooperation can be mutually beneficial and win-win, he said.

"It seems to take advantage in the short term, but what is being protected is backwardness; what is being lost is the future, and it will only jeopardize the interests of the domestic industry and consumers in the long term."

Noting that the U.S. and European auto industries have a lot of opposition to it, Lin pointed out that many European vehicle company executives and business associations believe that the West should not be afraid of China's electric vehicles and that relying on tariffs and other restrictive measures will not help solve the problems faced by their own competitiveness.

The reason for the popularity of China's electric vehicles is the scientific and technological innovation and excellent quality formed in the global market competition, and they never rely on subsidies for protection, Lin emphasized.

"Meanwhile, China has completely canceled the restrictive measures on foreign investment access in the manufacturing sector and has always opened its doors to global automobile enterprises, so that vehicle companies from all countries can fully enjoy the dividends of China's large market."

China is Tesla's second-largest global market in 2023, he noted. Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Volkswagen have long been familiar automobile brands to ordinary Chinese people, with reports suggesting that a Volkswagen is sold in China about every 10 seconds amid "Western unease over China's electric vehicle exodus," Lin added.

It is hoped that the parties concerned will listen carefully to the rational voices of the industry, abide effectively by WTO rules, "stop turning economic and trade issues into political, security or ideological issues," he added.

(Cover: China's Foreign Ministry. /CFP)