Asia Tech Wire (July 3) -- Canada's Department of Finance on Tuesday announced the launch of a 30-day public consultation on a range of potential measures against Chinese electric vehicle imports.

The consultation will seek views on potential policy responses, including the imposition of a surtax under Section 53 of the Canada Customs Tariff, as well as other potential options such as adjustments to the federal zero-emission vehicle incentive program and investment restrictions, the department said in a statement.

According to the consultation paper, the Canadian government would like to know "whether additional actions like further policy guidance, monitoring, or restrictions related to transactions and investment from Chinese sources in the Canadian EV supply chain are required."

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Commerce have previously made it clear on several occasions that China has consistently opposed the unilateral imposition of tariffs in violation of WTO rules, and that it will take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, including filing a lawsuit with the WTO.