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Global auto industry leaders voice opposition to tariffs, advocate for free trade

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      China

      China

      Global auto industry leaders voice opposition to tariffs, advocate for free trade

      2025-04-27 17:16 Last Updated At:19:27

      Global automakers attending the 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition have voiced strong opposition to escalating tariffs, urging deeper international cooperation to promote free and fair trade in the automotive sector.

      The exhibition, also known as Auto Shanghai 2025, kicked off in Shanghai on Wednesday, attracting nearly 1,000 automakers and industry suppliers from 26 countries and regions.

      As the global economic environment grows increasingly complex, many international industry leaders shared their perspectives on the evolving landscape of the auto sector.

      Some industry representatives noted that although certain countries have set up trade barriers, the globalization of the auto industry remains unstoppable.

      "At first, I would like to say that automotive is a global industry. It's still and it will remain a global industry. What the future exactly will bring, I don't know. But we have a very strong local and global footprint which will help us," said Markus Heyn, board management member of the German multinational engineering and technology company Bosch and chairman of the company's Mobility business sector.

      Executives from several automakers also weighed in on the challenges posed by ongoing geopolitical tensions.

      "We think that tariffs is not the right way to address the concerns that we have in the industry. Of course, it must be a fair treatment for everyone, everywhere and also a very transparent political industry for the sector," said Fermin Soneira, CEO of the Audi and SAIC Cooperation Project.

      "We stand for free and fair trade worldwide. It's producing employment, it's important for prosperity, it's important for a sustainable growth in the market," said Oliver Blume, CEO of Volkswagen Group.

      Meanwhile, in the Australian market, Chinese carmakers have played an increasingly important role. According to James Voortman, CEO of the Australian Automotive Dealer Association, plug-in hybrid models from Chinese manufacturers have been well received. Over the past five years, China has provided the majority of electric vehicles in Australia, with market share rising from less than two percent to nearly 20 percent.

      "We can't influence some of these international factors, but we can form good relationships, good partnerships, and we can try to sort of mitigate the risk by spreading the number of brands you have. And China is a really important part of that for a lot of Australian dealers," said Voortman.

      Meanwhile, French industry leaders noted the close collaboration between Chinese and European carmakers. Francis Bartholome, president of Mobilians, an organization representing companies from France's automotive and mobility services industry, suggested that amid rising tariffs from the U.S., China and Europe should work more closely together, including through the establishment of joint ventures in Europe.

      "My position is that we must never fall into a price war or a tariff war -- that would be a mistake, and we are opposed to such actions. We are convinced that this would be punitive for both sides. The only outcome would be a lose-lose situation. We should maintain tariffs at the lowest possible level," said Bartholome.

      Former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin echoed the call for cooperation, stressing the importance of building balanced and mutually beneficial global partnerships in the face of the current complex international environment.

      "I firmly oppose the escalation of tariffs. I believe that cooperation is the fundamental path forward. Today's world is filled with various tensions, and the only way to resolve them is to deepen international cooperation," said Raffarin.

      Global auto industry leaders voice opposition to tariffs, advocate for free trade

      Global auto industry leaders voice opposition to tariffs, advocate for free trade

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      Israel envoy denies discussions with UN on enabling Gaza aid deliveries

      2025-05-16 23:13 Last Updated At:23:37

      Permanent representative of Israel to the United Nations (UN) Danny Danon on Thursday denied that any discussions had occurred between Israel and the UN regarding delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.

      Danon made these remarks at the UN headquarters in response to a query from a China Central Television (CCTV) reporter about the ongoing failure to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

      Israel blocked the entry of goods and supplies into Gaza on March 2, following the end of the first phase of a January ceasefire deal with Hamas. It resumed attacks on Gaza on March 18.

      With no food, no supplies, and no relief in sight, Gazans have been enduring a relentless fight for survival.

      In response to mounting international condemnation, Israel has proposed that its military take over the distribution of aid - a move widely criticized by the international community.

      Briefing a Security Council meeting on Tuesday, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher noted that the UN has met for over 12 times with the Israeli authorities regarding the latter's proposed aid distribution model, yet no solution had been found.

      Danon, however, stated that no discussions have taken place in recent weeks regarding the issue.

      "I don't know about that. Actually I listened to Mr. Fletcher's remarks at the Security Council the other day, and I can tell you that he visited Israel but he had no discussion about that fund because it was way back and in the last few weeks there was no dialogue about that. I would expect UN officials to engage when they want to speak about issues they know how to reach us, they know how to reach the U.S. mission. We are here to engage," he said.

      "They got some information from the media, I assume. But I think they should look into that and to realize that if they want to be involved, that is the way to be involved," he added, reiterating that the UN has not reached out.

      In response to Danon's denial, the United Nations reaffirmed its position, standing by the public statement released by Fletcher.

      "I heard what he said, and we stand by what Mr. Fletcher has said," Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for UN Secretary-General noted later on the day, commenting on Danon's statement.

      "Mr. Fletcher gave the details," he continued.

      Israel envoy denies discussions with UN on enabling Gaza aid deliveries

      Israel envoy denies discussions with UN on enabling Gaza aid deliveries

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