China’s top trade official cautioned the EU against protectionism, expressing confusion over the bloc’s investigations into Chinese green tech exports. Wang Wentao, currently on a European tour, highlighted the EU’s probes into Chinese electric vehicles, solar panels, and wind turbines as examples. He criticized the EU for taking protectionist actions despite advocating for sustainable and green development. Wang emphasized the importance of opposing unilateralism and protectionism to protect the global supply chain. The EU’s investigations could lead to actions such as imposing duties on Chinese electric vehicles and reviewing market distortions by Chinese wind turbine makers.
European policymakers are determined to avoid a repeat of the situation a decade ago with solar panels, where the EU did not act to restrict Chinese imports, leading to the collapse of many European manufacturers.
Speaking at the Verona conference, Italy’s Industry Minister Antonio Tajani, a former European Commissioner, emphasized the need for the European Commission to prevent what he referred to as “environmental dumping” – selling green technology below the domestic price to gain market share.
He also called for increased trade and investment between Italy and China. Italy is looking for inward investment, while Chinese automakers, aiming to sell their lower-cost, primarily electric vehicles in the region, are looking to establish manufacturing facilities in Europe.
