EU investigation into Chinese e-bikes may hurt consumers: official

Bicycles provide a green means of commuting and are popular among a number of consumers, including those in Europe and China, said Wang Hejun, head of the Ministry of Commerce trade remedy and investigation bureau.

"The e-bike industries in China and EU have wide-ranging cooperation in aspects including technical solutions and supply chain support," Wang said.

As both sides have similar standpoints and objectives in combating climate change, China hopes the EU will use caution when launching the trade remedy investigation and push forward green technology cooperation between industries, Wang said.

"China asks the EU to comply with WTO rules and end anti-dumping measures on Chinese bicycles, and not to let the e-bike investigation become a new case of trade protection," he said.

The EU has undertaken anti-dumping measures on Chinese-made bicycles for 24 years at the cost of the region's consumer interests, providing excessive protection for the EU industry.

"The Chinese government will closely follow the development of the case and take necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies," Wang said.

On Friday, the European Commission announced the launch of an anti-dumping investigation into e-bikes imported from China.