China has accused the European Union of attempting to “suppress” Chinese companies and has vowed to take action to protect its interests as the EU moves closer to imposing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.
China’s Commerce Minister, Wang Wentao, expressed a preference for resolving economic and trade disputes through dialogue to prevent an uncontrolled escalation, according to an official statement made during a meeting with Chinese businesses in Spain on Saturday.
Wang noted that leaders from France, Germany, and the EU have expressed a desire to avoid a trade war.
“If the EU does not practice what it preaches and continues to suppress Chinese companies, China will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard the legitimate interests of Chinese companies,” the statement read.
The EU has initiated several trade investigations against China, citing anti-dumping and unfair subsidy practices, particularly in the clean-technology sector. The bloc must inform Chinese EV exporters by early June if it plans to impose tariffs and their potential rates, which could be enforced a month later.
In response, China has already begun an anti-dumping investigation into European brandy, specifically targeting French cognacs. State media have also suggested possible retaliation against European cars and pork.
Wang criticized the EU for using claims of overcapacity, unfair competition, and “other false narratives” to justify investigations into Chinese sectors like EVs, railways, solar, and medical equipment, thereby heightening the risk of trade friction between China and the EU.
He called on the EU to move away from protectionism and instead pursue dialogue and cooperation, as per a separate statement following his visit to a planned Chinese car factory in Spain on Sunday.
