China slams European Commission for demanding commercial secrets in EV probe
China Strengthens Ties with Malaysia, Welcomes Polish President, and Engages in Defense Cooperation | Striking Incident at Fudan University Graduation Ceremony Sparks Controversy
Hello from Shanghai, China. Here’s our pick for today’s news:
China slams European Commission for demanding commercial secrets in EV probe
China Strengthens Ties with Malaysia, Welcomes Polish President, and Engages in Defense Cooperation
Striking Incident at Fudan University Graduation Ceremony Sparks Controversy
1. China Strengthens Ties with Malaysia, Welcomes Polish President, and Engages in Defense Cooperation
Global Times: China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) disclosed that the EU is prying into the "inside story" of China's electric vehicles (EVs) technology in the name of anti-subsidy investigation, citing information provided by Chinese companies, saying such information collected is "outside the necessary scope."
The MOFCOM slammed the EU side for undermining fair competition and the global green transformation, and it vowed to take all necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights of Chinese companies.
The remarks were made in response to media reports that Chinese and European new-energy vehicle companies held a closed-door meeting on Tuesday, and those companies from China and EU at the meeting were against European Commission (EC)'s decision to impose additional tariffs on Chinese EVs.
Some Chinese companies said that they were required by the EC to provide "additional information" during the investigation.
In this regard, the EC has requested a large amount of information on the production and operations, development plans, technical processes and product formulas used by Chinese EV and battery companies during its anti-subsidy investigation, He Yadong, spokesperson for MOFCOM said on Thursday, citing information from the investigated Chinese companies.
He listed the example of Chinese companies being required to provide battery components and formulas in detail, as well as EV production costs, purchase information concerning all electric vehicle parts and used raw materials, sales channels and pricing methods, as well as customer information in Europe and information related with the supply chain layout.
"The magnitude, scope and quantity of information required by the EU side is unprecedented, far exceeding what is needed for countervailing investigations," He said.
He said during the investigation process, the EC said many times that failure to cooperate would result in adverse rulings and the EC forced Chinese companies to provide the above information.
However, after Chinese companies tried their best to cooperate with the investigation and provide information, the EC still accused Chinese companies of not fully cooperating and imposing high punitive duties on them. Chinese companies were shocked and disappointed by the EC actions, the MOFCOM spokesperson noted.
He said EU side lacks factual and legal basis, ignore WTO rules, which undermine fair competition and global green transformation.
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2. China Strengthens Ties with Malaysia, Welcomes Polish President, and Engages in Defense Cooperation
China has made significant strides in strengthening its diplomatic relations with several countries in recent days.
Enhanced Partnership with Malaysia: China and Malaysia have mutually extended their visa-free policies, fostering closer ties and facilitating people-to-people exchanges. Additionally, the two nations issued a joint statement, which reaffirms their commitment to strengthening cooperation in various fields, including trade, investment, infrastructure, and cultural exchanges.
State Visit by the Polish President: At the invitation of the Chinese government, Polish President Andrzej Duda will embark on a state visit to China.
Defense Cooperation with Switzerland, Azerbaijan, and Armenia: A Chinese international military cooperation delegation recently visited Switzerland for a defense ministry working dialogue. The delegation also made stops in Azerbaijan and Armenia to engage in defense exchanges and strengthen military ties with these nations.
3. Striking Incident at Fudan University Graduation Ceremony Sparks Controversy
A recent incident at Fudan University's graduation ceremony has sparked widespread attention and controversy online.
A video circulating on social media shows the student approaching a professor on stage and suddenly punching him in the face. The incident has garnered significant attention online, with many expressing shock and concern.
Amid the uproar, rumors circulated that the student had been admitted to Peking University (PKU). On the evening of June 20, the Publicity Department of PKU's Party Committee addressed these claims. They confirmed that while the student in question had previously applied to PKU's Medical School for a master's program through the "application-assessment system," he is currently still in the ideological and moral assessment period and has not been officially admitted.
Amidst the online discussions, rumors have emerged suggesting that the student is the son of a high-ranking Taiwanese political figure. In addition to the assault, online commentators have raised allegations of the student's prior misconduct at Fudan University. Some claim that he has repeatedly violated university rules, including insulting faculty and staff, without facing any significant consequences.
Fudan University has not yet issued an official response to the incident. Meanwhile, online discussions about alleged "privilege incidents," "favorable treatment of Taiwanese elites," and "unfair treatment of students" at Fudan have intensified, with many pointing to potential issues within the university.