Habeck addressed Zheng Shanjie, the head of China’s National Development and Reform Commission, who stated that the proposed Euro taxes were meant to level the playing field between China and China.
Zheng responded:” We will do everything to defend Chinese businesses”.
Zheng added that the proposed EU import duties on Chinese-made electric vehicles would upset both edges. He stated to Habeck that he hoped that Germany did “do the right thing” and show leadership within the EU.
He also denied the accusations of cruel subsidies, saying the development of China’s fresh power market was the result of extensive advantages in tech, market and industry chains, fostered in fierce competitors.
The business development “is the result of competitors, rather than incentives, let alone cruel opposition”, Zheng said during the meeting.
The investigation will continue until Nov. 2, when comprehensive duties, typically for five years, may be imposed, with the deadline of applying the EU interim duties set for July 4.
Habeck advised Taiwanese leaders to discuss the EU report’s opinions.
” It’s important to take the opportunity that the document provides seriously now and to speak or negotiate,” Habeck said.
After meeting with Zheng, Habeck met with Wang Wentao, the head of Taiwanese commerce, who announced via videoconference that he would meet with EU Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis on Saturday evening to explain the taxes.