HONG KONG (AP) — China's Commerce Ministry has protested a decision by the European Union to investigate exports of Chinese electric vehicles, saying Thursday that it is a “protectionist” act aimed at distorting the supply chain.
The EU announced Wednesday it will probe government subsidies provided to Chinese automakers that the EU contends keep EV prices artificially low.
China has become the biggest market for electric vehicles after investing billions in subsidies to gain an edge.
“It’s naked protectionist behavior that will seriously disrupt and distort the global automotive industrial chain and supply chain including the European Union, and will have a negative impact on China–EU economic and trade relations,” he said.
Cui urged the EU to take an “objective view of the development of China’s electric vehicle industry” instead of using what he said are economic and trade tools to increase the costs of Chinese electric vehicles in Europe.
Persons:
Yadong, “, ”, Cui Dongshu, ” Cui, Cui
Organizations:
—, Commerce, European Union, EU, China Passenger Car Association
Locations:
HONG KONG, China, EVs, Japan, Europe, Beijing, EU