A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday urged the European Union (EU) to stop its anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles (EV) as soon as possible to avoid damaging China-EU economic and trade cooperation and the stability of industrial and supply chains.

Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks at a regular press briefing in response to a query on the EU's recent anti-subsidy probe into Chinese EVs.

Lin said China has stated its position multiple times that the essence of the EU's anti-subsidy investigation is trade protectionism.

There are many unreasonable and non-compliant practices by the EU side in the investigation, he said, adding that the so-called Chinese subsidy project they accused is simply untenable.

Lin said China will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests if the EU side insists on going its own way.