China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, vows to defend the interests of Chinese businesses after Canada's announcement of imposing steep tariffs on Chinese made products such as electric vehicles and steel and aluminum. However, Lin Jian's speech was met with retaliation from Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over the issue of subsidies, protectionism, and competition between the two countries. Lin Jian accuses Canada of ignoring basic international trade rules while restricting market development for Chinese industries. Meanwhile, the tariff on Chinese EVs may push Tesla to switch to delivering products from Germany rather than from China's Shanghai factories.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the decision to impose a 100% import tariff on Chinese electric vehicles at the federal cabinet retreat, following similar plans by the US and Europe. While Canadian automakers welcomed the move, environmental activists fear it will hinder the adoption of electric vehicles in the country. The Chinese government has denounced the decision, accusing Canada of politicizing trade and harming trade relations between the two countries. China's foreign minister spokesman called the move "protectionist" and pointed out its negative impact on Canadian companies and consumers, as well as global climate efforts. Canada, however, claims to have evidence of unfair competition and insufficient environmental and labor standards in China's electric vehicle industry.
In a move that has angered China and drawn praise from Canadian automakers, Canada has announced a 100 per cent import tariff on Chinese electric vehicles. This comes four months after a similar move by the US, and with plans for tariffs in Europe as well. While some activists fear this will slow the uptake of electric vehicles in Canada, the Canadian government argues that China unfairly subsidizes its EV industry, overproduces vehicles, and fails to meet environmental and labor standards.
The Chinese government has strongly criticized Canada's decision to impose a 100% import tariff on Chinese electric vehicles, denouncing it as a "protectionist move" that ignores WTO rules and disrupts trade relations between the two countries. Canada argues that China's EV industry unfairly subsidizes and overproduces vehicles to flood the market with cheaper options, while also failing to meet environmental and labor standards. While Canadian automakers welcome the tariff, some environmental activists fear it may hinder the country's green transition and global climate efforts.
India and the United States are trying to navigate their ties amid growing concerns about China's power, but a recent report by The Washington Post adds a new complication. It alleges that Indian intelligence officers were involved in plotting the assassination of two Khalistani leaders in Canada and the United States. The White House responded by calling the matter "serious" and India quickly issued a statement rejecting the claim as "unwarranted and unsubstantiated". The case involving one of the designated terrorists, Pannun, has been a concern for both countries since November, when the US alleged Indian involvement in his attempted murder. The Indian government denies any connection and, amid Indian investigations and Canada's request for clarification, maintains its commitment to strengthening ties with the United States.