China takes Europe’s EV tariffs to World Trade Organisation as trade tensions rise

China has already threatened retaliation against European farmers and plane makers, and launched an anti-dumping probe targeting the French spirits industry

Beijing’s relationship with the EU has hit fresh lows in recent months, as the eurozone brings its China policy closer to that of the US. Picture: Danny Lawson/PA Wire

China has formally launched a complaint to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) over the EU’s decision to impose anti-subsidy duties on Chinese electric vehicles.

China brought the case to the WTO’s dispute settlement mechanism on Friday, according to a statement from the Ministry of Commerce. This is done to safeguard the development rights and interests of the EV industry, it added.