Question: According to Canada’s announcement, it has implemented a 100 per cent surtax on all Chinese-made EVs starting from October 1. On the same day, Canada announced the final list of steel and aluminum products from China that will be subject to a 25 per cent surtax on October 22. What is the response by the Ministry of Commerce?

Answer: China has noticed the relevant announcements released by Canada. For some time, in disregard of objective facts, international economic and trade rules, and opposition and dissuasion from multiple parties, Canada has insisted on closely following certain countries and taking unilateral measures to suppress China. What Canada did has violated the principles of market economy and fair competition, seriously damaged the normal economic and trade cooperation between Chinese and Canadian businesses, seriously impacted the economic and trade relations between China and Canada, and disrupted and distorted global industrial and supply chains. China firmly opposes such practices.

China has filed a complaint at the World Trade Organization over Canada’s unilateralism and trade protectionism practices. In accordance with relevant laws, China has also initiated an anti-discrimination probe into Canada’s restrictive measures. Canada should view bilateral economic and trade cooperation rationally and objectively, respect facts, abide by the WTO rules, instead of going further down the wrong path. China is ready to take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese businesses.