The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers and the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME) have expressed their strong opposition to the European Union's decision to increase tariffs on Chinese exports of electric vehicles.
The European Commission -- the executive arm of the European Union (EU) -- on Wednesday revealed a list of protectionist duties it would levy on imports of battery electric vehicles (EVs) from China. The provisional duties envisaged by the Commission on the imports of EVs from China would range from 17.4 percent to 38.1 percent.
In a statement posted on its official website, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers said that it deeply regrets about the EU's decision, which it says is definitely unacceptable.
The association said in the statement that since the EU launched the anti-subsidy investigation on Chinese EVs in October last year, the Chinese automobile industry has actively cooperated with the investigation, and the relevant enterprises have carefully provided the documentation in accordance with the requirements of the investigation authorities.
However, during the investigation, the EU preset the results of the investigation, preferentially selected the sample enterprises, abused the investigation power, expanded the scope of the investigation at will, and seriously distorted the investigation results.
In recent years, China's new energy vehicle industry has developed rapidly, attracting widespread global attention. The electric vehicle products are also favored by global consumers, including those from the European Union.
China's EV exports not only provide local consumers with a good consumption experience, but also make positive contributions to the local electric vehicle market cultivation and industrial development, it said.
The association said that it hopes the European Commission will not deem the current phase of vehicle trade that is necessary for the development of the industry as a long-term threat, let alone politicize economic and trade issues, or abuse trade remedy measures. It urges the EU to avoid damaging and distorting the global automotive industry chain and supply chain, including the EU, and maintain a fair, non-discriminatory and predictable market environment.
It is hoped that the EU auto industry will think rationally and take active actions to jointly safeguard the current situation of reasonable competition and mutual benefit between the two sides, and jointly promote healthy and sustainable development of the global auto industry, according to the statement.
On the same day, the CCCME also published a statement to deplore the EU's move.
The CCCME statement said that the CCCME firmly expresses its opinions during the EU's investigation which has serious flaws in the process. Its investigation with obvious tendentiousness lacked impartiality, objectivity and transparency.
The commission's investigation into the alleged threat and damage to the EU's auto industry is neither objective nor transparent, it added.
The CCCME, as an industrial defense party in the investigation, will resolutely defend the legitimate rights and interests of China's electric vehicle enterprises by various means on the basis of the preliminary work, according to the statement.
Chinese auto association, chamber of commerce express strong opposition to EU tariffs
Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Peruvian counterpart Dina Boluarte on Thursday attended the opening ceremony of the Chancay Port via video link.
Xi flew in earlier Thursday to pay a state visit to Peru and to attend the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting scheduled for Friday and Saturday.
At the opening ceremony, the two heads of state heard reports given by the heads of transportation departments of both countries and watched a video presentation on the Chancay Port project. Representatives from both China and Peru at the project site reported to the two leaders, requesting authorization to commence port operations.
The two heads of state gave the order, announcing opening of the port.
Xi extended his congratulations on the successful opening of the Chancay Port and expressed respect for the builders from both countries who overcame difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, worked together, and completed all tasks with high quality.
Noting that it is exciting and inspiring to see a modern port has been built in just a few years, Xi said the Chancay Port is not only a deep-water port but also South America's first smart and green port which, once going into operation, will bring significant benefits to Peru, create a large number of jobs, and strongly reinforce Peru's position as a gateway connecting land and sea, linking Asia and Latin America.
Over 2,000 years ago, ancestors of the Chinese nation set sail, braving rough seas to open up the Maritime Silk Road connecting East and West. More than 500 years ago, ancestors of the Peruvians, the Incas, fearlessly crossed towering mountains and built the Inca Trail, which spanned the Andes from north to south. Today, the Chancay Port is becoming a new starting point for the "Inca Trail of the New Era", according to Xi.
From Chancay to Shanghai, what people are witnessing is not only the fruitful implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative in Peru but also the construction of a new land-sea corridor linking Asia and Latin America in the new era, Xi said.
Xi called for concerted efforts from both sides to build, manage and operate the Chancay Port well, continuously improving its capacity, efficiency and the level of comprehensive service.
Xi urged efforts to actively explore the port's role in bolstering logistics, thus promoting trade with logistics, and industries with trade, so as to empower the Pacific Rim economies including China and Peru in their pursuit of common prosperity based on the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits.
The port is also expected to provide a path to prosperity and happiness for Peru and the broader Latin American and Caribbean region, deliver mutual benefits and win-win results across a wider space and bring more tangible gains and satisfaction to the people of all countries involved, Xi added.
Boluarte said that the opening of the Chancay Port is a historic moment that fills all the people of Peru with pride. This grand project, jointly built by China and Peru under the Belt and Road Initiative, marks a critical step for Peru towards its goal of becoming an international hub for shipping and trade, she said, adding that it will help Peru become a vital gateway connecting Latin America and Asia, and that it will strongly promote Latin American integration and prosperity.
The port's entry into operation will open a new chapter in Peru's economic development, further enhancing the country's competitiveness and bringing greater benefits to all Peruvians, she noted, expressing gratitude to China for its trust and support.
The Chancay Port is located 80 kilometers north of Peru's capital, Lima, and is a key project under the Belt and Road Initiative between China and Peru. After the port's opening, the shipping time between China and Peru will be reduced to 23 days for an one-way trip, cutting logistics costs by more than 20 percent. The port will also create over 8,000 direct job opportunities annually for Peru.
Xi attended the welcome banquet hosted by Boluarte on Thursday.
Xi, Peruvian president attend opening ceremony of Chancay Port via video
