China stands firm in EU hybrid vehicle dispute

China firmly opposes so-called voluntary restrictions on hybrid vehicle exports to the European Union, the Ministry of Commerce said on Friday, stressing that such measures would seriously violate World Trade Organization, or WTO, rules.

The ministry's remarks came in response to media reports that the EU wants China to voluntarily limit such exports to the bloc or face the prospect of higher tariffs.

Such restrictions also run counter to market economy principles and fair competition, a spokesperson for the ministry said in a statement published on its website.

Reaffirming Beijing's consistent position, the spokesperson said: "Any solution between China and the EU must ensure a balance of interests, comply with WTO rules and their respective domestic laws, and fully take into account the interests of industries on both sides."