China saw continued recovery and improvement across several industries in May, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) told a press conference on Tuesday.
As various macro policies continued to be implemented, China's economy has kept improving, while positive factors in economic operation continue to accumulate, according to Li Chao, a spokesperson for the NDRC, the country's top economic planner.
The rapid growth of industrial production, exports and domestic demand, stable employment and steadily rising price level have all driven the economic recovery, Li added.
Li Chao at the press conference held by the National Development and Reform Commission in Beijing, China, June 18, 2024. /CFP
Li also talked about China's new energy industry, both domestically and internationally. With an estimated 80 million EVs to be on the country's roads by 2030, Li addressed the concerns over access to and promotion of driving infrastructure, where collaboration with other state bodies would prove crucial to finding solutions to the problems.
A nighttime view of Jiangyin Container Terminal in east China's Jiangsu Province, June 12, 2024. /CFP
Following the European Commission's preliminary ruling on June 12 regarding the disclosure on the countervailing investigation of EV's imported from China, Li noted that the investigation ignores facts and rules, and undermines fair competition.
The spokesperson firmly re-stated China's stance against trade protectionism, reiterating that such investigations and measures will ultimately harm the interests of EU consumers themselves.
Li called on the EU to respect WTO rules and common economic law, urging for a swift return to open cooperation.