GENEVA — China has initiated a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO), claiming that the European Union (EU) has improperly imposed anti-subsidy tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) manufactured in China.

The Chinese diplomatic mission to the WTO expressed its strong opposition to these tariffs on Monday and stated that the intention behind the complaint is to protect China’s burgeoning EV sector while fostering a global shift towards sustainable technologies.

Last month, the European Union announced the implementation of import duties as high as 35% on electric vehicles imported from China, alleging that these vehicles were unfairly priced and undermining the EU’s domestic automotive industry. These tariffs are expected to remain in effect for a period of five years unless a mutually beneficial agreement can be reached.

The issue of electric vehicles is becoming a significant point of contention in the larger trade dispute concerning the impact of Chinese government subsidies on the EU market and the rapid growth of Chinese green technology exports to Europe.

In its statement, China accused the EU of committing “an abuse of trade remedies” that infringes on WTO regulations, labeling the tariffs as “protectionist” measures. The diplomatic mission emphasized that such actions are detrimental to fair trade practices.

In response, Valdis Dombrovskis, who serves as the executive vice president of the EU Commission, described the tariffs as “proportionate and targeted.” He asserted that the measures are necessary to uphold fair market conduct and bolster the EU’s industrial framework.