From July 5, the European Union begins to impose provisional tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) imported from China. The European Commission launched an "anti-subsidy probe" into Chinese EVs last year. Under the guise of defending fairness, the EU is actually undermining fair competition, casting the shadow of protectionism on free trade.

The EU's tariffs on Chinese EVs have sparked discontent among many European automakers, unions, and industry associations. They argue that such protectionist action will cause trade spat, negatively impacting the entire European automotive industry. There's never any winner in a tariff war. By following the U.S. lead in slapping tariffs on Chinese EVs, the EU is risking a Pyrrhic victory.

In recent years, Chinese EVs have gained global popularity due to their high performance and affordability, winning European consumers over as well. But the EU's additional tariffs will cost local consumers more to buy Chinese EVs. Tariffs, a double-edged sword, damage the legitimate interests of China's EV manufactures and also hurt EU consumers. In the long run, they will hinder technological innovation and the development of the EU's automotive industry.

The EU has repeatedly been calling for global efforts to achieve carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, and cooperates with China on climate change and green transition. Chinese EVs can effectively cut down the EU's carbon emissions. However, the EU is wielding the tariff stick while working with China on green transition. This duplicity will not only hinder the EU's own green transition but also the broader global cooperation in combating climate change.

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