China’s envoy to Ankara criticizes Türkiye’s trade measures against Chinese companies

Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Ankara, Liu Shaobin, has voiced concerns over Türkiye‘s new import restrictions on electric vehicles, primarily targeting Chinese imports.

He stated that these protective measures not only disadvantage Turkish consumers but also deter Chinese companies from investing in Türkiye, potentially undermining the economic ties between the two nations.

In an interview with economy-focused ekonomim.com, Liu emphasized the importance of Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek’s upcoming participation in the Türkiye-China Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee (ICC), which he views as an essential step toward fostering ongoing investment projects and strengthening diplomatic relations.

Liu highlighted initiatives aimed at economic growth, including “new large-scale foreign investment projects” and easing visa requirements for a potential transition route from China to third countries, in line with China’s global expansion policy.

In September, Türkiye extended its stringent import conditions for electric vehicles, initially targeting Chinese imports, to encompass rechargeable hybrid cars and commercial vehicles as well.

This prompted China to file a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO), labeling Türkiye’s actions as protectionist. Furthermore, on Nov. 4, China’s Ministry of Commerce announced it had lodged a similar complaint with the WTO against the European Union over tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.