MOFCOM spokesperson He Yadong Photo: Yin Yeping/GT

When asked whether China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) supports electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers engaging in case-by-case consultations with the EU, following the EC's approval of a tariff exemption for a Chinese-made Volkswagen-branded SUV to be imported under a minimum price and quota arrangement, MOFCOM spokesperson He Yadong said on Thursday that China looks forward to see more Chinese EV firms reach price undertaking agreements with the EU.

Previously, after multiple rounds of consultations, China and the EU achieved a "soft landing" in the EV case within the framework of World Trade Organization rules, a move that has been widely welcomed by the international community as well as industry stakeholders on both sides, He noted.

Under the consensus reached through consultations, both China and the EU support Chinese EV companies in making good use of price undertakings. The spokesperson said that the EU side has issued a guidance document based on the outcomes of the consultations and pledged to conduct objective and impartial assessments in line with the principle of non-discrimination.

The China-EU automotive industries are well integrated and mutually beneficial, He Yadong said, urging the EU to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by Chinese and EU leaders as well as the outcomes of consultations, and said China looks forward to more Chinese companies reaching agreements with the EU on price undertakings.

The Chinese side stands ready to maintain dialogue and communication with the EU to foster an open and stable market environment conducive to the development of both sides' industries, the spokesperson added.

Global Times