After its appeal to the WTO against the surcharge on Chinese electric vehicles, China is increasing pressure on certain European capitals, such as Paris. On an official visit to the country, Sophie Primas, the French minister responsible for foreign trade, was the recipient of a message from Beijing that could not be clearer. France must “ play an active role » to encourage the European Commission to find a solution acceptable to the European and Chinese electric car industries, says China.
The country is asking France to work so that Brussels and Beijing find an agreement after the entry into force of new taxes on Chinese vehicles. In return, Paris has declared that it will not give in, as it strives to reverse China's retaliatory measures – for now temporary – on French brandy exported to China, reports Reutersthis Monday, November 4.
Europe will not give in, France replied
In a meeting with Sophie Prima, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said the EU investigation had “ seriously hampered » cooperation between China and the EU in the field of the automobile industry, detail our colleagues. Brussels' investigations initiated last year led to an increase in customs duties on Chinese electric vehicles imported into Europe, now taxed up to 35%. In return, Sophie Primas declared that Europe continued to trade with China, “ but that she would not give in to pressure on the essential points ».
Also read: EU adopts new tax on Chinese electric cars
The French minister was on an official visit to the country, the opportunity to challenge the customs duties imposed by China on cognac and Armagnac, taxes that Paris considers unjustified, reported Reutersa few days earlier. For his part, the Chinese Minister of Commerce declared that the investigations initiated by Beijing on European brandy, pork and dairy products were in line with the requirements of the national industry and respected the rules of the World Trade Organization . This unlike the EU, which launched its investigation into Chinese electric cars in a “ thoughtless “, he tackled.
« China will continue to conduct investigations in strict accordance with the law, safeguard the legitimate rights of businesses in EU member states, including France, and make decisions based on facts and evidence “, he continued. But China is willing to work with Brussels to find a “ appropriate solution “, he assured.
Prague received a similar request from Beijing
These statements come after the announcement of Beijing's appeal to the WTO, the World Trade Organization, against Brussels' final decision to increase customs duties on Chinese electric cars. The countryhe recognizes nor accepts » the outcome of the Brussels anti-subsidy investigation, described as “ relating to unfair trade protectionism disguised as “fair competition », Estimated Wednesday, October 30, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.
Also read: After the surcharge on electric vehicles, Beijing counterattacks
France is not the only country to have received Beijing's grievances. According to PoliticoChina also asked the Czech Republic for help, using similar vocabulary. Ling Ji, the Chinese vice-minister of Commerce, hoped that the government in Prague “ plays an active role » with the European Union, by creating “ political will and negotiating sincerity in the consultation on electric vehicles between China and Europe », Report our colleagues.
???? To not miss any news from 01net, follow us on Google News and WhatsApp.
