China's Ambassador to Belgium Dismisses Trade War Concerns, Defends EV Market Entry

Gate News message, April 29 — China’s Ambassador to Belgium Fei Shengchao rejected suggestions that Europe and China are entering a trade war phase, stating in a recent interview with Belgian-Luxembourg broadcaster RTBF that such characterizations would have been more fitting for last year’s situation, but that he does not foresee a trade war between the EU and China.

Addressing concerns about Chinese electric vehicles flooding European markets, Ambassador Fei noted that the characterization of “inundation” was exaggerated. He pointed out that Chinese brands sold approximately 60,000 electric vehicles in Belgium in 2025, with over half produced locally. He drew a parallel to the European automotive industry’s historical market entry into China decades ago, which was not viewed as a threat at that time.

On Chinese investments in Belgium—including Alibaba’s operations in Liège, COSCO’s involvement in Zeebrugge Port, and Chinese backing in Volvo’s Ghent factory—Ambassador Fei stated that Belgium faces no strategic dependency on China and that the relationship remains mutually beneficial. He emphasized that Chinese investment should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a threat, noting that Zeebrugge Port operates 18 container terminals, with only one managed by a Chinese enterprise, while others are operated by American, Japanese, Dutch, and German companies.

The ambassador characterized Belgium’s economy as extending far beyond logistics, highlighting its role as an economic hub leveraging its geographic position, as well as its significance as a political hub hosting EU institutions. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening relations with Belgium on a foundation of solid cooperation.