"Overcapacity" allegation against China's new energy industry merely excuse for protectionism: spokesman

The so-called "overcapacity" label on China's new energy industry is just an excuse for protectionism of some Western countrires, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a press briefing in Beijing on Wednesday. In response to some Western countries' repeated accusations of "overcapacity" against China, Wang said that such speculation is groundless and China firmly opposes it.

Taking the new energy industry for example, Wang said, the capacity of this industry in China is the advanced capacity in urgent need to promote green development, rather than excess capacity.

According to the International Energy Agency analysis, in order to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality, the global sales of new energy vehicles need to reach 45 million units by 2030, 4.5 times that of 2022, and the demand for photovoltaic installed capacity also needs to increase significantly, the spokesman noted.

"The key problem facing the world today is not excess capacity of new energy, but serious shortage. The development of China's green technologies and green products, especially new energy industry, meets the needs of various countries to alleviate the energy crisis and address climate change, and will make important contributions to the global green and low-carbon transition," Wang said.

"China's new energy products are more competitive mainly because related industries were deployed rather early, which has resulted in leading technological advantages over long time research and development investment, and holistic competitive advantages by relying on the strong domestic industrial supporting capacity, super-scale market, and rich human resources. As Premier Li Qiang pointed out, China's advantage in new energy industry is gained through its real abilities and forged by full-on market competition, instead of government subsidies," said Wang.

Wang emphasized that labeling "overcapacity" on China's new energy industry is a manifestation of protectionism.

Bloomberg analysis has shown that in the field of electric vehicles, the vast majority of China's top-ranked automobile exporters' capacity utilization rate is at the internationally recognized normal level, Wang said, adding that the proportion of China's electric car exports in its total output is far lower than that of Germany, Japan, South Korea and other major auto producers, with export prices in line with market laws, proving that there is no dumping in China's EV export at all.

"The so-called 'overcapacity' allegation against China is just to provide an excuse for protectionism. Restricting the export of China's electric vehicles and other new energy products will only lead to a 'lose-lose' situation. The world does not need China to cut its output, but more funds and products to accelerate the energy transition and eradicate poverty," Wang said.

"We hope that related countries will keep an open mind, earnestly abide by the principles of market economy and international economic and trade rules, and provide a fair, transparent, open and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises," Wang said.

"Overcapacity" allegation against China's new energy industry merely excuse for protectionism: spokesman

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Paris on Sunday for a state visit to France at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron.

French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, along with other French high-ranking officials, warmly received Xi at the Paris Orly Airport.

Xi noted in a written speech upon arrival that it is a great pleasure to begin his third state visit to the French Republic and celebrate the 60th anniversary of China-France ties with French people.

Xi said as important representatives of Eastern and Western civilizations, China and France have a long history of mutual appreciation and admiration.

He also noted that 60 years ago, the two countries broke through Cold War blocs and established diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level, and in the 60 years since, bilateral relations have always stayed abreast of China's relations with Western countries.

Xi pointed out that the development of China-France relations has not only brought benefits to the two peoples, but also injected stability and positive energy into the turbulent world.

The Chinese president said he will have in-depth exchange of views with his French counterpart on the development of China-France relations and China-EU relations under new circumstances, as well as current major international and regional issues.

Xi said he looks forward to consolidating the traditional friendship between the two countries, enhancing political mutual trust, building strategic consensus and deepening exchanges and cooperation in various fields with France.

Xi's entourage includes his wife Peng Liyuan, Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, and Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and foreign minister.

Xi was also greeted by Chinese Ambassador to France Lu Shaye at the airport.

On its way to the hotel, Xi's motorcade received a warm welcome by the local Chinese community, with people waving Chinese and French flags and holding banners hailing China-France friendship.

Xi arrives in Paris for state visit to France