Belgian consumers oppose EU's anti-subsidy probe into Chinese EVs

Consumers in Brussels, the capital of Belgium and headquarters of the European Union (EU), are raising concerns over the EU's anti-subsidy probe into Chinese electric vehicles (EV), saying that additional tariffs could push up their financial burden and restrict their freedom of choice.

The EU's investigation into Chinese EVs is nearing its one-year mark since its launch last October, with the bloc's 27 member states poised to cast their final votes on the matter.

As the impending decision draws near, some car owners in Brussels have conveyed their worries that the proposed final duties on Chinese EVs could infringe upon consumers' rights to make choices.

"The Chinese electric vehicles, from my experience, have achieved very high, even the highest levels of comfort and quality and driving experience as well," said a resident named Bokri.

He said that China's predominance in the electric vehicle market is not primarily driven by subsidies, a practice that is widespread globally. Instead, he stressed the competitive edge of Chinese automakers in terms of production capacity, cost efficiency, and performance innovation.

Another European resident also voiced opposition to the EU's potential tariffs, emphasizing the importance of competition and a level playing field in the EV sector.

"I'd like to bring an electric car from China, the U.S., Europe, all around the world, because there will be competition. And for me, I think that's fine if the electric cars from China come in. I think the European Union should also see the same when they are trading with the U.S. They have to trade with China the same because finally this is a benefit for the world, for the weather [climate], for us, for the people. It's not about one country, one nation," said a resident named Hassan.

In light of mounting opposition from consumers, the EU faces a crucial decision that could shape the future of its electric vehicle market.

On July 4, the European Commission introduced provisional additional tariffs of up to 37.6 percent on Chinese EV makers, with a four-month window.

The tariffs, widely criticized as protectionist, have prompted objections from China and sparked widespread concerns over rising costs for consumers in the EU and global efforts towards green transitions.

Belgian consumers oppose EU's anti-subsidy probe into Chinese EVs

China Media Group (CMG) on Thursday launched eight boutique audiovisual products on the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and cultural exchanges between China and France, during an event held in Beijing.

The eight products cover a wide range of subjects including performances of Chinese athletes at the Paris Games, stories of artists joining the art exhibition held in Paris in May, works of art and the food culture of both China and France.

Products, "Give You a Like", "Road to Paris", and "Blooming in Paris", tells the stories of athletes from China as well as the wider world who took part in the Paris Summer Olympics.

"Meeting Paris" explores cultural traces related to the Olympics at various locations across France.

The 100-episode series "From Beijing to Paris: China Art Exhibition" deeply excavates creative stories of more than 100 artists who participated in the major exhibition "From Beijing to Paris: Olympic Tour of Chinese and French Artists". The exhibition was organized by CMG and opened in May at Les Invalides in France.

The twenty-episode series "Bond of Art", and the art experience show "Touring France with Famous Paintings", respectively tell the stories of Chinese artists and the birthplaces of iconic artworks in France.

"Peak of Gastronomy - Competition of Chinese and French Master Chefs" gathers 20 emerging chefs from China and France for the fusion of Chinese and French cuisine.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach, President of the Constitutional Council of France Laurent Fabius and former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin sent congratulatory letters to the event.

Meanwhile, representatives of artists attending the exhibition of "From Beijing to Paris: Olympic Tour of Chinese and French Artists" were awarded with honorary certificates.

"The culture exchange between China and France is very important. China Media Group contributes a lot to the cultural exchange between the two countries," said Chang Shana, a professor from the Academy of Arts and Design, Tsinghua University, and also one of the special consultants for the exhibition.

CMG launches programs on Paris Olympic Games, China-France cultural exchanges