MNI BRIEF: China Ready To Safeguard Interests After EU Tariffs

Beijing will safeguard the interests of Chinese firms following the EU's decision to implement tariffs on Chinese imported battery electric vehicles, Ministry of Commerce He Yadong, spokesperson said Thursday.

China was urging the EU side to correct is protectionist policy and implement the consensus reached by leaders from both sides at recent meetings, He added. Commenting on recent state media reports that China could begin investigating EU pork imports, He said China's domestic industry has the right to make an application to safeguard normal market competition.

China’s economic slowdown represents the biggest challenge for European firms wanting to operate there, with Beijing recently improving market access, a leading European lobbyist has recently told MNI, noting the EU should resist excessive protectionist policies based on simplistic “level-playing field” arguments. (SEE: MNI: China Electricity Demand Growth To Fall From Q1 High )