EU-China dialogue on electric cars is taking a constructive direction, says Pavel Havránek

Pavel Havránek, Chairman of the Czech-Chinese Association, assesses the ongoing consultations between the European Union and China on the anti-subsidy proceedings against Chinese electric vehicles positively. According to him, the published information indicates that both sides are moving in the right direction and prefer dialogue to escalating the trade dispute.

Havránek points out that the very fact that the negotiations are taking place in a spirit of mutual respect and are building on the consensus reached at the highest political level testifies to China's willingness to address the situation constructively. In his words, this is an important signal that Beijing is seeking an agreement based on negotiation, not confrontation.

From the Chinese point of view, Havranek said it is also crucial that discussions on possible price commitments are clearly set within the framework of World Trade Organization rules. This, he said, confirms China's long-standing position that an open and predictable trading system based on clear rules is in the interest of all participants in international trade.

Havránek also recalled that Chinese manufacturers of electric vehicles have repeatedly declared their willingness to respond to the European side's concerns with concrete and targeted steps without distorting competition. He warned that too tough and unilateral EU action would not only be a problem in relations with China, but could undermine confidence in the entire international trading system.

Electric mobility is a global challenge that cannot be solved by closing markets and creating new barriers. Restricting competition through anti-dumping or anti-subsidy measures may help European producers in the short term, but in the long term it harms consumers, slows down technological development and undermines the stability of global supply chains.

Havránek concluded by stressing that Europe needs an economically strong and reliable partner. In his opinion, it is increasingly becoming clear that the United States is not fulfilling this role, while China has long offered space for stable cooperation. He expressed his conviction that the European Union can find common ground with China not only in the field of electromobility, but also in other strategic sectors.

CMG