Beijing warned on Friday that escalating frictions with the European Union over electric vehicle imports could trigger a trade war, as Germany's economy minister arrived in the Chinese capital with the proposed tariffs high on his agenda.
Robert Habeck's three-day trip to China is the first by a senior European official since Brussels proposed hefty duties on imports of Chinese-made electric vehicles to combat excessive subsidies. That has unleashed countermeasures by China and harsh criticism from Chinese leaders.
In an unexpected twist, Habeck - from the ecologist Greens Party that is a junior partner in Germany's fractious three-way coalition - issued a statement criticising Berlin's 11-month-old China strategy document as already out-of-date and not in synch with the evolving EU position on China.
This week alone, Chinese automakers urged Beijing to hike tariffs on imported European gasoline-powered cars and the government launched a dumping probe into EU pork imports in retaliation for the EU Commission's move.
Here are the top political news stories for today.
@MadPr0p0rtionalDemocrat2yrs2Y
I really don't understand that European Union politicians want to impose sanctions on China but don't want China in turn to respond to these sanctions, it's also incredible that they think they are masters of the world, it's time to get off the pedestal and be more realistic, the world is not theirs
@KeenPragmaticDemocrat2yrs2Y
Tariffs should be higher on Chinese EVs. They are just pumping out garbage quality vehicles to flood the markets to gain much greater market share.
@GrudgingRiceNo Labels2yrs2Y
China is pumping out quality EVs for very competitive prices as they own practically the entire supply chain. EU cars can't compete. If they impose these proposed tariffs, they are digging their own graves as EU cars are dependent on the 1.4 billion Chinese car market. Check mate
Not sure Europe has the muscle to flex at China.
Sounds like Europe's trying to flex its muscles. China's not having it. Expect a *** for-tat game of tariffs and countermeasures. This isn't the first time these two have clashed, and sadly, it won't be the last.
Chinese try to bullies EU and rest of western world. It's not going to be good for you.
I really don't understand that European Union politicians want to impose sanctions on China but don't want China in turn to respond to these sanctions, it's also incredible that they think they are masters of the world, it's time to get off the pedestal and be more realistic, the world is not theirs
@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
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