By Han Lu

 

DALIAN, June 26 (China Economic Net) - "China has been extremely successful in building large supply chains and has developed huge capacities in batteries and automobiles, as well as in solar energy and other areas. The scale of their operations leads to cost reductions, which in turn create competitive advantages. This benefits consumers by providing access to lower-cost products.” Espen Mehlum, Head of Energy Transition Intelligence and Regional Acceleration at the World Economic Forum, commented on the friction between China and the EU regarding the trade of new energy vehicles at the ongoing Summer Davos Forum in Dalian. “However, China is not the only nation seeking to build competitive advantages and industries. Other countries are also striving to achieve the same. Therefore, we need to find win-win opportunities that can work on a business-to-business level, country-to-country, or even multilaterally.”

 

At the ongoing Summer Davos Forum in Dalian, officials, scholars, and business representatives from various countries placed their interests on China’s new energy industry, particularly the development of electric vehicles. They have expressed differing views on the EU's announcement of proposed additional tariffs ranging from 17.4% to 38.1% on Chinese electric vehicles.

 

"Countries should focus on running faster themselves rather than slowing down their competitors." In discussing Europe's plan to impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, Somprawin Manprasert, First Executive Vice President, Chief Economist, and Chief Strategy Officer of the Economic Intelligence Center (EIC), Siam Commercial Bank, made this comment.

 

Somprawin Manprasert believes that the world should progress through innovation. He commented that while there are different strategies in competitive scenarios—some aim to hinder competitors' innovation, others focus on strengthening their own products—"Indeed, in a race, you can slow down your opponent, but I believe we should concentrate on making everyone run faster, especially under the global trend of energy transition." He mentioned that Thailand welcomes Chinese car manufacturers establishing production plants in the country, as they provide local employment and vocational training, creating a win-win situation.

 

 

 

Takeuchi Kazuhisa, Mayor of Kitakyushu, told the reporter, "It’s a hard battle for the Chinese car makers, definitely." He then mentioned, "The challenge now for Chinese automakers is figuring out how to collaborate with Western countries. Harmonizing efforts with the EU market will be a critical issue going forward."

 

 

Kasim Alfalahi, founder of Avanci, a company specializing in 4G automotive patent projects and which signed patent licensing agreements with over 80 companies including Hyundai, Kia, Stellantis, Honda, and Toyota, responded to the journalist's question by saying, "My perspective is that global trade is of paramount importance. The global market is based on collaboration and partnership, and research, development, and innovation must be collaborative and shared endeavors. Naturally, there are costs associated with sharing technology, and it is essential that everyone bears their fair share of these costs when pursuing advancements."

 

 

Li Lin, Chairman of Dalian Unilink Intelligent Equipment Co., Ltd., which provides R&D, manufacturing, installation, commissioning, sales, and related technical consulting and services for industrial and automotive automation equipment, has also been closely following the issue of new energy vehicles and potential EU tariffs. "I believe globalization is an inevitable process; it’s just a matter of time," she said.