BEIJING – China urged the United Kingdom on Monday to abide by World Trade Organization rules and refrain from following the European Union in taking restrictive measures against Chinese electric vehicles.

A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce made the remarks in response to media reports that a British minister had said the UK and the EU must act in lockstep to address China's "dominance" in the automotive sector, and that the UK was still discussing tariff hikes on Chinese EVs with European partners.

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"China-UK cooperation in the automotive industry is based on complementary strengths, equality, and mutual benefit. China and the UK are important economic and trade partners," the spokesperson said.

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The spokesperson urged the UK side to "think twice before acting" and "refrain from dancing to the EU's tune," adding that China would closely follow the UK's movements and resolutely take countermeasures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese industries if the UK insists on taking restrictive measures against Chinese EVs.