Beijing objects to European threats to impose additional tariffs on Chinese hybrid cars

Beijing, Sept. 18 (KUNA) -- China expressed its opposition on Friday to European threats of imposing higher tariff rates if it does not curb exports of Chinese hybrid vehicles to the European Union.

This was stated in a statement issued by China's Ministry of Commerce in response to a call by the EU for the Chinese government to restrict hybrid vehicle supplies to the European market to no more than 15 percent.

The statement, reported by the Xinhua News Agency, said the European move "seriously violates" World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, "contravenes" market economy laws, and undermines the "principle of fair competition."

It emphasized the need to ensure a balance of interests when seeking solutions to disputes between the two sides, noting that any solutions should comply with local laws and take into account the interests of the industrial sectors of both parties.

In a related development, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said during a press conference that the core of the economic and trade relations between China and the EU lies in "mutual benefit and shared interests," and is not a "zero-sum game" in which one party wins at the expense of others.

He stressed that "adhering to openness and cooperation, and resolving disputes through dialogue and equal consultation, aligns with the common interests of both sides," expressing hope that the European side will honor its commitments to "market openness and free trade" and provide a "fair, just, and non-discriminatory" business environment for companies.

Beijing pledged to closely monitor European moves and take "necessary" measures to protect China's "legal and legitimate" rights and interests.

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