China underlines the competitiveness of electric cars manufactured there and calls on the European Union to open and cooperate commercially – at a time when they are almost two years away from introducing additional tariffs.
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18/09/2026
by
News to Minute, Lusa
A China calls for European Union keep “opening and cooperation” commercial in the context of electric cars, arguing that its products are competitive for users worldwide.
The “avalanche” of Chinese manufacturers, which proposes relatively affordable technology and prices, is having a strong impact on the health of European car manufacturers. So much that, in 2024 additional tariffs were introduced for electric cars from China – the competitive threat for receiving state subsidies. Some already ask for a similar measure for hybrids.
China ensures that it respects international rules
Chinese Foreign Minister Guo Jiakun said at a press conference that Beijing respects the rules of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and provides companies in all countries with a “fair, fair and non-discriminatory” business environment.
“ The essence of the economic and trade relations between China and the EU is mutual benefit, not a competition of ‘all or nothing’ in which one wins and another loses’, he said.
Guo added that the resolution of trade differences through dialogue and equal consultation corresponds to the common interests of the two parties.
“ We will closely monitor actions on the European side and take the necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies,” he warned.
Germany wants tariffs on Chinese hybrids
The statements appear after the German Finance Minister, Lars Klingbeil, called on the EU on Thursday to extend to hybrid vehicles manufactured in China the tariffs already applied to Chinese electric cars and to harden the rules on locally produced components to protect european manufacturers.
Klingbeil defended a response to “unfair commercial practices” and a “stronger treatment of states that threaten our industry,” although he claimed not to be “a detractor of China”.
The German minister said he wanted trade to go “free and fair”, but stressed that everyone should “play according to the same rules”.
It should be noted that in recent years, in addition to the 100 percent electric models, several hybrid proposals have started to arrive from China, also usually more attractive from the price point of view.
“Unsustainable” economic relations
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, presented on Wednesday the main lines of action of Brussels for the new political cycle in the State of the Union speech.
Von der Leyen said that the EU will use the tools at its disposal to rebalance economic relations with China and announced the creation of a new Critical Raw Materials Corporation.
The structure should help the Community block to acquire and store raw materials necessary for the production of electrical, semiconductor and defence equipment, among other products.
Brussels has insisted in recent months that economic relations with China are “unsustainable”, pointing to an annual trade deficit of around EUR 360 billion and to the pressure exerted by Chinese industrial sectors such as electric vehicles, batteries, solar panels and chemicals.