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EU Governments Set to Vote on Chinese EV Tariffs Amid Concerns Over Retaliation

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European Union member states are preparing for a crucial vote on Friday to determine whether to impose tariffs of up to 45% on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs). The proposed tariffs follow a year-long anti-subsidy investigation, which concluded that Chinese EVs benefit from unfair government subsidies, distorting competition within the EU market. The vote comes amid concerns of potential retaliation from Beijing, which has already initiated its own probes into European imports.

The European Commission, which manages trade policy for the bloc, has proposed the tariffs for the next five years. However, under EU rules, the decision requires a qualified majority, meaning 15 EU countries representing 65% of the bloc’s population must support or reject the proposal. If the vote is split, the Commission can still move forward with the tariffs but may also opt to amend the proposal to gain broader support.

France, Italy, Greece, and Poland have reportedly voiced their support for the tariffs, ensuring there won’t be a blocking majority against the measures. Meanwhile, Germany, the EU’s largest economy and a major car producer, is expected to vote against the tariffs. German automakers, such as Volkswagen, have expressed strong opposition, citing the significant share of their sales that come from the Chinese market, which accounts for almost a third of their global revenue. Volkswagen has labeled the proposed tariffs as “the wrong approach.”

The stance of Spain has shifted in recent days. Previously in favor of tariffs, Spanish officials have now called for a continuation of negotiations rather than imposing immediate duties. In a letter to European Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis, Spain’s economy minister suggested seeking a deal on prices and relocating battery production to the EU. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had also indicated a desire to reconsider the EU’s position during his visit to China.

While some EU countries remain cautious of China’s reaction, the bloc’s relationship with China has become more complex over the past five years. The EU now views China not only as a partner but also as a competitor and systemic rival. In light of China’s 3 million surplus EV production capacity — double the size of the EU market — Europe has emerged as the most viable market for Chinese exports, especially given the 100% tariffs imposed by the United States and Canada on Chinese EVs.

The Commission remains open to further negotiations with China, considering alternatives to tariffs. A possible solution could involve setting minimum import prices based on various criteria, including EV range, battery performance, and vehicle specifications. The current tariff proposal includes additional duties of 7.8% for Tesla and 35.3% for SAIC and other non-cooperating companies, on top of the EU’s standard 10% import duty for cars.

As the EU prepares for this pivotal vote, the outcome will likely have far-reaching consequences for EU-China trade relations, the European automotive market, and the broader global EV supply chain.

 

Woman with Rare Double Uterus Gives Birth to Twins in China

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A woman in northwestern China, identified only by her last name Li, gave birth to twins, one from each of her two uteruses, in a rare medical event. The twins, a boy and a girl, were delivered via caesarean section last month at Xi’an People’s Hospital in Shaanxi province. The hospital called the case a “one in a million” occurrence, as it is exceptionally rare for a woman to conceive twins in both cavities of a double uterus, known as uterine didelphys.

Uterine didelphys is a congenital condition affecting about 1 in 2,000 women, where a woman has two separate uteruses and cervixes. According to the hospital’s statement on Weibo, it is even rarer for such twins to be carried to full term. Despite the potential complications, Li successfully delivered a boy weighing 7 pounds, 19 ounces and a girl weighing 5 pounds, 30 ounces.

Li had previously experienced a miscarriage, but her latest pregnancy, discovered in January, revealed the extraordinary case of twins, one in each womb. The pregnancy was closely monitored, and the medical team was able to ensure a healthy delivery for both babies.

The remarkable story has captivated millions on Chinese social media, with users expressing awe and admiration. Many congratulated the mother on her extraordinary experience, with some commenting on the physical and emotional challenges she likely faced.

Three Dead and 15 Injured in Shanghai Walmart Stabbing

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A tragic stabbing incident at a Walmart supermarket in Shanghai on Monday night left three people dead and 15 others injured. Chinese authorities arrested a 37-year-old man, identified as Lin, who allegedly carried out the attack due to personal frustrations stemming from an economic dispute. The incident occurred in the Songjiang district, a populous area in Shanghai’s southwest that also hosts several universities.

The injured victims, though hurt, are not facing life-threatening conditions according to police reports. The three individuals who died succumbed to their injuries after being rushed to the hospital. Eyewitnesses, including a man surnamed Shi who works at a jewelry store in the shopping mall, described scenes of chaos and panic. Shi recounted seeing people fleeing in terror and emergency responders quickly entering the scene. “There was blood everywhere,” Shi told BBC News, adding that he narrowly escaped harm.

Chinese social media discussions regarding the event have been censored, a common practice following such incidents. Despite the tragedy, the supermarket resumed operations on Tuesday with heightened security in place.

Although firearms are strictly regulated in China, there has been an unsettling rise in knife-related attacks across the country. Recent incidents include the stabbing of a 10-year-old Japanese student last month and multiple stabbings of college instructors in Jilin earlier this year.