BEIJING – The nationalist Chinese newspaper Global Times described the European Union’s probe into cheaper Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) as “excessive”, and said China’s superior offerings are the envy of other automakers.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen announced the investigation on Wednesday, a week after executives at Munich’s Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung, or International Motor Show, said that European carmakers had a fight on their hands to produce lower-cost EVs and to close the gap on China’s lead in making cheaper, more consumer-friendly models.

Beijing has since blasted the investigation as a protectionist act aimed at shielding Europe’s own industry in the name of “fair competition”, and warned that economic ties could be harmed.

“To tell the truth, when Chinese new energy vehicles shone brightly at the recent 2023 International Motor Show in Germany, we heard some envious and even jealous remarks, but we didn’t expect Europe’s response to be so ‘excessive’,” the Global Times said in an editorial.

Analysts have warned that should the EU levy duties against Chinese EVs after the probe, which could take up to 13 months, China would most likely impose countermeasures, hitting European industries.

“If Europe lacks the confidence and courage to win the market through fair competition, it will be impossible to establish competitiveness in the EV industry,” the Global Times wrote.

The investigation is expected to be a focus of talks when EU trade chief Valdis Dombrovskis visits China later in September, where he is expected to renew calls for fair competition. REUTERS