“China has what it takes to counterattack” in the face of investigations launched by the European Union, assured Yuyuantantian, an account close to the CCTV channel, China Central Television, on May 18 on the social network Weibo, the equivalent of X.
The latter also recalled that the EU was “very dependent on the Chinese market” in several sectors, citing wine, dairy products and even aeronautics…
Taxes on electric vehicles?
For weeks, China has seemed to want to send a message to the European Union, through “threats” broadcast through different media, from social networks to state newspapers, as noted The world. But then, why us?
At the heart of this story, Chinese electric vehicles. On October 4, the European Union launched an “anti-dumping” investigation, and thus decided to add (or not) additional customs duties to these cars, which are currently taxed at 10%.
The precedent across the Atlantic
This is what happened in the United States. On May 14, Joe Biden announced a 100% increase in customs duties on these cars, compared to 25% previously. Other sectors are also affected. The President of the United States recalled that this measure was necessary to protect local protection.
The Commission must deliver its conclusions on June 5, according to Le Figaro, for implementation from July 4.
An offensive strategy for months
Pending the results of this investigation, China has launched a series of offensives aimed at member countries of the European Union, notes The world.
Thus, considering that France is one of the main countries against the arrival of Chinese cars, Beijing announced in January that it was carrying out an investigation into subsidies for wine spirits, i.e. French cognac. A drink that Emmanuel Macron offered to the Chinese president during his visit in early May.
Last Sunday, the country also announced an anti-dumping investigation into polyoxymethylene copolymer, a plastic used in phones, automobiles and medical equipment, which is imported from Europe, the United States, Taiwan and Japan. , specifies the national daily.
Other investigations targeting Chinese subsidies
But for its part, Brussels has also launched a series of other investigations which notably target Chinese subsidies in wind turbines, solar panels and the railway sector.
“I don’t think we are in a trade war” with China, assured Tuesday Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, during the debate organized by the Bruegel think tank and the Financial Times, cited by Le Figaro.