The spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce responded to questions from reporters about the European Commission's plan to reject the price commitment solutions for the electric vehicle subsidy case submitted by the Chinese industry.

Q: On September 12th, the European Commission spokesperson stated that the price commitment solutions for the electric vehicle subsidy case submitted by the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products and all electric vehicle manufacturers did not meet the requirements, and the European side intends to reject the related price commitment applications. What is China's comment on this?

A: China has taken note of the European side's relevant statement. The European Commission has ignored the sincerity and efforts of the Chinese industry and has proposed to reject the flexible solution proposal submitted by the Chinese industry without conducting in-depth communication. China is deeply disappointed by this.

On August 20th and September 9th, the European Commission announced the final ruling of the EU electric vehicle subsidy case, continuing its erroneous approach by imposing high tax rates. China cannot agree with or accept this, but has always maintained the utmost sincerity and has worked hard to resolve the friction through dialogue and negotiation.

On August 24th, the Chinese industry proposed a price commitment solution within the investigation timeline of this case, fully considering the demands of the European side and demonstrating maximum flexibility. The Chinese industry stated that its price commitment proposal is fully compliant and executable, and all technical issues can be resolved through negotiations. It is understood that several EU member states have also shown great interest in the price commitment solution.

The European Commission's rejection of the related solution without a detailed assessment not only undermines the confidence of the Chinese industry to continue cooperation, but also does not meet the expectations of EU member states, nor does it meet their stated desire to resolve this case through dialogue.

Since the launch of negotiations on the EU electric vehicle subsidy case between China and the EU on June 22nd, the working teams of both sides have conducted more than ten rounds of intensive consultations. China has submitted tens of thousands of pages of facts and evidence to the European side and has proposed flexible solutions, making significant efforts.

However, while the European side claims to be willing to solve the issue through dialogue, on the other hand, it quickly and hastily rejects the Chinese side's proposal without providing any specific counter-proposals, completely lacking the sincerity of reciprocal actions. If the consultations ultimately fail to reach a consensus, the responsibility lies entirely with the European side.

Currently, the key to the negotiations lies in whether the European side truly has the political will to solve the problem. China urges the European side to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of China, France, and Europe during the trilateral meeting, which stressed the need to handle economic and trade frictions through dialogue and consultation, and to demonstrate sincerity and take into serious consideration the legitimate concerns of the Chinese business community.

China not only has the utmost sincerity to resolve differences through dialogue and consultation, but also has the strongest determination to uphold the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises. China will closely follow the European side's subsequent progress and will take all necessary measures to steadfastly defend the lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies.