The comment came as the EU voted on the same day to implement definitive tariffs on battery EVs manufactured in China, the European Commission, the EU's executive arm, said in a statement. Despite this vote, bilateral negotiations can continue until Oct 30, offering the possibility of reaching an agreement to avoid the increased tariffs.

China called on the European Union on Friday to delay implementing tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles and avoid escalating trade frictions, state media reported.