China's Ministry of Commerce has sharply criticized the European Union's threat of punitive tariffs on electric cars from the People's Republic and has hinted at countermeasures.
Beijing will closely monitor the European side's further process and resolutely take all necessary measures to protect the rights and interests of Chinese companies, a spokesman for the ministry announced on Wednesday.
China is very concerned and dissatisfied with the EU's behaviour and Chinese industry is disappointed, he said.
The European Commission has threatened high provisional punitive tariffs on e-cars from China. Whether manufacturers will actually have to pay the tariffs of up to 38.1% depends on whether another solution can be found with China.
The opinion in the published announcement lacks any factual or legal basis, according to the Ministry of Commerce. The EU was displaying protectionist behaviour that was causing and exacerbating tensions in trade, it said.
The ministry also accused the EU of disrupting the global supply chain of the automotive industry.
"The European Commission is holding up the banner of green development with one hand and waving a protectionist stick with the other," the spokesman said.
China called on the EU to correct its flawed practices and deal with economic tensions in trade appropriately through dialogue.