The Chinese government said it has filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) over tariffs imposed by the European Union on electric cars made in China.
The Ministry of Commerce said China resorted to the WTO's dispute settlement mechanism "to protect the development rights and interests of the electric vehicle industry and cooperation on global green transformation."
The EU has introduced temporary tariffs of up to 37,6 percent on electric vehicles produced in China and justified its move by the fact that these companies benefit unfairly from state subsidies.
China says its state support for the electric vehicle industry is in line with WTO rules.
The two sides have until early November to try to resolve the differences, after which the temporary tariffs become official.
China's auto exports rose in July compared with the same month last year, while domestic sales fell, an industry association said today.
China's Ministry of Commerce said EU tariffs violate WTO rules and undermine global cooperation on climate change.
In response, China launched investigations into exports of French cognac and European pork, which some analysts fear could develop into an economically damaging trade war with the EU.
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