China's anti-dumping measures against brandies imported from the European Union are "legitimate trade remedy measures", the commerce ministry said on Wednesday, a day after imposing the temporary curb.

BEIJING -- China announced provisional tariffs of 30.6% to 39% on imported brandy on Tuesday, four days after a majority of European Union countries approved duties on electric vehicles made in China.

Beijing’s action came days after European nations moved toward tariffs on electric vehicles from China, and it included a threat to also hit pork and car imports.