BEIJING — China has called on the United Kingdom to honor World Trade Organization rules and steer clear of imposing restrictive measures against Chinese electric vehicles similar to those adopted by the European Union.

The warning came from a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce on Monday, following media reports that a British minister had suggested the UK and EU needed to present a united front in confronting China's "dominance" in the automotive industry. The reports also indicated that Britain remains in talks with European partners over potential tariff increases targeting Chinese-made EVs.

In its response, the Commerce Ministry emphasized that the relationship between China and the UK in the automotive sector is rooted in complementary strengths, equal footing and shared benefit. The spokesperson described China and the UK as significant economic and trade partners whose cooperation should not be undermined by measures mirroring those taken by Brussels.

The ministry urged British officials to carefully weigh the consequences of their actions before proceeding, cautioning them not to simply follow the EU's lead. The spokesperson warned that Beijing would be watching closely how the UK handles the matter, and stressed that China stands ready to take firm countermeasures should London decide to impose restrictions on Chinese EVs, in order to protect the legitimate interests of its domestic industry.

The comments reflect growing friction between China and Western governments over the rapid global expansion of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers, who have gained significant market share due to competitive pricing and government-backed production capacity. The EU has already moved to impose additional tariffs on Chinese EV imports, arguing that state subsidies have given Chinese automakers an unfair advantage over European competitors. Beijing has repeatedly rejected these claims, framing the EU's actions as protectionist and harmful to free trade principles.

With the UK reportedly weighing similar action, China's latest statement signals its intent to apply diplomatic pressure early, before any formal tariff decisions are made in London. The Ministry of Commerce's language — urging Britain to "think twice before acting" — underscores Beijing's broader strategy of pushing back against what it views as coordinated Western efforts to curb the competitiveness of its EV sector.

China has positioned its message as a defense of fair trade and mutual economic benefit, framing continued cooperation as being in both countries' interests. At the same time, the explicit threat of retaliatory measures makes clear that Beijing views any UK alignment with EU tariff policy as a direct challenge to its automotive industry's global ambitions, one it says it will not allow to go unanswered.

Source: chinadailyhk

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