Paris, France - September 25, 2024

Europe has much to gain from cooperation with China in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, as the two sides are not just competitors but also partners, said a French economist.

In a recent interview with the China Media Group (CMG) in Paris, Hubert Testard, an economist at Sciences Po and former economic and financial affairs counselor at the French Embassy in China, emphasized that imposing tariffs on Chinese EVs will create trade barriers and erode trust, ultimately harming both economies.

Noting China's rapid technological progress in the EV sector, Testard said that the growing presence of Chinese brands in Europe reflects their ability to quickly adopt new innovations, rather than representing unfair competition.

Citing the cooperation between French automakers and Chinese companies, Testard highlighted that these partnerships have brought significant benefits to French firms.

China's EV industry is currently facing a series of unilateral trade restrictions in key export markets. In May 2024, the United States raised tariffs on Chinese-made EVs from 25 percent to 100 percent. In July, the European Union imposed a provisional anti-subsidy tariff of up to 37.6 percent on Chinese EV imports.

Shotlist:
Paris, France - Sept 25, 2024:
FILE: Paris, France - Date Unknown
1. Street view; pedestrians;
2. Arc de Triomphe, traffic;
Paris, France - Sept 25, 2024
3. SOUNDBITE (French) Hubert Testard, economist, Sciences Po; former economic and financial affairs counsellor, French Embassy in China (partially overlaid with shot 4):
"We welcome investment, and overall, there is no hostility towards Chinese brands in Europe. In fact, countries like France and Germany, along with Japan, have fallen behind in the EV race. China, in less than a decade, has made huge strides in technology. This isn't unfair competition, but a demonstration of China's ability to quickly apply new innovations. Europe has been caught off guard, but we are now making efforts to close the gap.";
[SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
FILE: Brussels, Belgium - June 27, 2024
4. Various of European Union (EU) flags;
[SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
FILE: Shanghai, China - 2024
5. Various of auto production line;
Paris, France - Sept 25, 2024
6. SOUNDBITE (French) Hubert Testard, economist, Sciences Po; former economic and financial affairs counsellor, French Embassy in China:
"For Europe's auto industry, it's clear that if we don't successfully transition to electrification, our market share in the continent will shrink. This is critical for Europe. We have already recognized this, and have invested heavily in this sector. Moreover, Europe has engaged in substantial technological cooperation with China. So, the relationship between Europe and China isn't just about competition, there's a strong collaborative aspect as well.";
FILE: Beijing, China - March 29, 2024
7. Various of Xiaomi electric vehicles on display in showroom, customers;
FILE: Lianyungang City, Jiangsu Province, east China - April 25, 2024
8. Aerial shot of port, electric vehicles for export;
9. EVs boarding cargo ship.

[Restriction - No access Chinese mainland]