2023-10-01 07:30:58
Trade Commissioner: EU has obligation to defend its economic interests
01.10.2023
EU Trade Commissioner Dombrovskis visited Beijing this week following a proposed countervailing investigation into Chinese electric vehicles sparked dissatisfaction in China. After his visit to China, Dombrovskis continued to defend the anti-subsidy investigation and said that foreign car companies setting up factories in China would also be investigated.
(Deutsche Welle Chinese website) EU Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said in an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung on September 30: “If other countries do not act in accordance with the rules, then we must resolutely Defend our company and our economic interests.”
Dombrovskis claimed that there was conclusive evidence thatChina is providing market-distorting state funding to relevant industries, and China’s actions have posed a threat to European industry。
He told the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung that the fact that the EU itself is also providing subsidies cannot be a reason to oppose countervailing investigations. He has also heard “such arguments” from China before. He said that EU subsidies are mainly provided to electric vehicle buyers and that such subsidies will not distort market competition. Financial support for companies such as battery factories is also strictly restricted by EU subsidy laws.
Chinese electric vehicles at the 2023 Munich International Motor Show.
Dombrovskis said that foreign companies that set up factories in China may also be affected by the EU’s anti-subsidy investigation. He said: “Although no final decision has been made on whether to launch a countervailing investigation, this move is by no means specific to China.”
EU Commissioner for Trade Affairs Dombrovskis just concluded his visit to China on Wednesday.He said that during his visit to China, China also mentioned the EU’s proposed punitive tariffs.. He promised China that the EU will act in full compliance with the relevant provisions of the WTO, and that China will also have the opportunity to fully engage with the EU.
(dpa)
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