At a press conference on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Canada's actions "deviate from the facts and ignore the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO)."
China on Tuesday criticized Canada's proposed 100% additional tariffs on battery electric vehicles (BEVs) imported from China and called on the Canadian government "not to politicize trade issues."
At a press conference on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Canada's actions "deviate from the facts and ignore the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and are contrary to the historical trend," which constitutes "a typical act of protectionism."
He also warned that these actions "harm Canadian companies and consumer interests" in that country and, above all, that they are not good "for the climate transition and the global response to climate change."
Jian also argued that China's electric car industry "is the result of persistent innovation," its "well-established" industrial bases and supply chains, adding that the results of Chinese vehicle manufacturing companies are a consequence of their "comparative advantages that provide exactly what the market needs."
China has therefore demanded that Canada "respect the agreements adopted by the WTO rules" and "immediately correct" these measures, while warning that it "will take all necessary measures to guarantee the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese businesses."
100% ADDITIONAL TARIFFS ON IMPORTED ELECTRIC VEHICLES
On Monday, the Canadian government aligned itself with the United States and adopted tariff measures against imports of electric vehicles from China. Specifically, it seeks to adopt an additional 100% tax on electric cars from the Asian giant.
The government led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that these tariffs on electric vehicles from China will take effect from October 1, 2024, and will include electric and some hybrid passenger cars, trucks, buses and delivery vans.
The US also announced an additional 25% tariff on imports of steel and aluminum products from China, which will take effect from October 15, 2024.
