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An intelligent production line of EV components in Fuzhou, East China's Fujian Province Photo: VCG

Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao has in recent days held extensive meetings with key European officials regarding the electric vehicle (EV) tariff dispute.

During these discussions, Wang emphasized that China has always shown utmost sincerity and is committed to resolving the anti-subsidy case through dialogue and consultation in line with the important consensus reached by Chinese and European leaders to avoid escalating trade tensions between China and the EU.

Regarding the trade dispute over the EV tariffs started by the European Commission (EC), China has demonstrated ample sincerity to resolve the issue. China approaches the case from the perspective of placing great importance on China-EU economic and trade cooperation, as well as on the China-EU relationship.

The EU's anti-subsidy investigation and subsequent decision to levy additional tariffs on Chinese EVs appear to have some non-economic objectives, and they were influenced by factors beyond economic considerations.

The approach taken by EU officials to promote EV tariffs clearly does not align with the best interests of related industries and enterprises among EU member countries.

Both parties should reach a consensus through negotiation to avoid a lose-lose situation regarding the EV tariffs. It is hoped that the European side will recognize the importance of China-Europe cooperation and the significance of resolving differences through dialogue, in order to reach a consensus outcome that aligns with the common interests of both sides.

If the European side insists on taking unilateral moves and continuing to escalate the trade dispute, it, inevitably, will have spillover effects on other aspects of China-Europe economic and trade relations. The economic and trade relationship between China and Europe is highly interconnected, making it challenging to determine who benefits more or less from this close partnership.

The European side should not adopt a double standard or multiple standards. For example, due to its relatively weak competitiveness in the EV sector, the European side has implemented protectionist measures, while continuing to seek cooperation opportunities with China in other areas.

This approach could lead to imbalances in its economic and trade relationship with China. Therefore, when addressing the EV tariffs dispute, the European side needs to consider the long-term broader implications.

China's efforts are focused on addressing the existing disputes in the EV sector and other green products. However, more importantly, both sides need to consider the overall context of China-Europe economic and trade cooperation, as well as the broader picture of China-Europe relations. There are still vast opportunities for cooperation between the two giant economies.

In terms of green transformation, particularly in industries like the EVs, for Europe, advancing and expanding cooperation with China is a cost-effective and practical path. If the European side becomes mired in non-economic considerations, such as so-called "over-reliance" or protecting some of its own outdated capacity, it will undermine prospects for cooperation in the green industry.

Despite the dispute around the EV trade, overall economic and trade cooperation between China and Europe is largely thriving. There is still ample room for continued cooperation in the field of promoting green transformation.

Both sides can explore more sustainable cooperation opportunities that align with their long-term interests. Importantly, they should maintain a balanced perspective and not jeopardize the entire scope of China-Europe economic and trade cooperation, which would be very counterproductive.

The author is director of Center for the European Union and Regional Development Studies, Beijing Foreign Studies University. [email protected]