China has called on Canada to lift the recently imposed increased duties on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs), emphasizing that such measures undermine free trade principles.
This statement came from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi following his meeting with Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly on the sidelines of the 31st Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Lima, Peru.
Wang Yi expressed concerns that Canada's decision to raise customs duties on Chinese EVs contradicts the spirit of fair trade and could hinder the development of trade relations between the two nations.
He urged Canada to align its actions with World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations by removing what he described as discriminatory and restrictive measures against Chinese goods.
During the discussions, Wang noted the absence of any fundamental conflicts between China and Canada and expressed hope that Canada would approach China's development with a more objective and rational perspective.
He referenced the productive talks held during Joly's recent visit to China, which had made significant progress in improving bilateral relations despite occasional challenges.
The APEC Summit, held from November 15-16, focuses on enhancing trade cooperation, reducing the unregulated economic sector, and fostering sustainable growth across the Asia-Pacific region.