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Dr. Wan Zhe: The Core of China-EU Economic and Trade Relations is Mutually Beneficial, Win-win Cooperation

September 12 , 2024 07:32 PM by
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“In defiance of WTO rules, the EU_Commission has imposed the provisional countervailing duties on imports of China’s #EVs, proceeding despite opposition from stakeholders. By adopting protectionist measures, the EC will disrupt global automotive supply chain,”wrote Dr. WAN Zhe.

Dr. WAN Zhe (Researcher, Belt & Road Reserch. Inst. @BNU_1902; iGCU Academic Committee Member) published an op-ed on @Guangming_Daily, refuting the EC’s accusations of the so-called“massive government subsidies”for Chinese EVs. 

Dr. WAN points out that the U.S. and some EU countries have offered substantially more subsidies to their EV industries than China. Objectively, if government subsidies for EVs are aimed at promoting green energy and tackling climate change. It is not against WTO rules, and subsidy policies like the U.S.’Inflation Reduction Act, are in defiance of WTO rules. Dr. WAN also stresses that the number of Chinese brands EVs sold across Europe only account for less than 8% of the total EV market share, and in realit. European EV manufacturer have benefited from their access to the Chinese market, relying extensively on export. In 2023, nearly 1/3 of Volkswagen, Benz, and BMW’s total sales came from China. Thus, there is no reason for the EC to panic over the rise of Chinese EVs. 

Dr. WAN states that in the post-pandemic era, EU countries face challenges like the anemic pace of growth, inflation pressure, and the weakening of the Euro’s global currency status. Strengthening cooperation with China is essential for Europe’s development. 

“The core of China-EU economic and trade relations is mutually beneficial, win-win cooperation. Europe should uphold its promises to free trade and anti-protectionism,”wrote Dr. WAN. 

For the full piece in Chinese: https://news.gmw.cn/2024-06/15/content_37380807.htm