China will closely keep track of the European Union's subsequent actions, and firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese businesses, after the European Commission implemented a special customs registration process on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs), said the Ministry of Commerce.

Starting from March 7, this EU policy could potentially affect China's EV exports to Europe, as it may be succeeded by further punitive tariffs.

"We have noticed this move. China expresses high concern over this and the industry is extremely worried about the potential retroactive tariff measures that the EU may take in the future," said He Yadong, a spokesman for the ministry.

Speaking at a weekly news conference in Beijing, He said Chinese EV exporters have reported that their export volume to the EU is in line with the changes in the EU's EV consumption, and there is no so-called "surge in imports" or "damage" to the EU market.

The EU's import registration measures and possible retroactive tariffs create a burden on imports, adding obstacles to normal trade activities. This is not conducive to deepening cooperation in the new energy industry between both sides and will also affect the interests of EU consumers, he added.

"China has always insisted on resolving mutual concerns through dialogue and consultation to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results. We hope that the EU will use trade remedy measures prudently, building a more stable and healthy environment for the development of the EV industry in China and the EU," said the commerce official.