Responding to the European Union’s request for China to voluntarily restrict exports of hybrid electric vehicles, China has issued a formal statement. On September 18, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce stated that voluntary export restrictions seriously violate World Trade Organization rules and contravene the principles of market economy and fair competition. China firmly opposes such measures. The position remains consistent: any solution between China and the EU must ensure a balanced distribution of interests, comply with WTO regulations and each party’s domestic laws, and fully take into account the legitimate concerns of industries on both sides.
The Chinese response explicitly rejects the legal basis of “voluntary export restrictions” and establishes three fundamental conditions for Sino-European dialogue—interests balance, adherence to WTO rules, and protection of industry stakeholders. This statement serves as a formal rebuke of EU pressure while preserving space for negotiation. The EU’s recent unilateral demand that Chinese hybrid vehicle sales in the European market be capped at approximately 15% constitutes an arbitrary condition inconsistent with international trade norms. Over the years, numerous products from the U.S. and Western countries have achieved market shares far exceeding 15% in China—yet they have still operated under the framework of free and fair competition. It is now apparent that the EU is unwilling to accept competitive outcomes.
Moreover, underlying this move lies another strategic calculation by the EU. Its real objective is not simply to reduce Chinese automotive imports, but to compel Chinese automakers to establish production facilities within Europe, while simultaneously pressuring Chinese firms to enter into unfair “market-for-technology” agreements. The EU is clearly eager to gain access to China’s globally leading technologies in electric vehicles, hybrid systems, and battery manufacturing. However, such ambitions will not succeed. Should the EU take restrictive actions, China reserves the right to respond in kind.
If the EU genuinely seeks resolution, it should focus on enhancing its own industrial competitiveness rather than demanding unilateral production cuts from trading partners. History has repeatedly shown that trade protectionism deepens systemic issues and ultimately undermines the long-term interests of European consumers and industries alike.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1876725798660104/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.