On May 14, the White House announced 100 percent tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. Meanwhile, the EU is yet to act decisively as it continues to conduct an investigation into the EV market.

Renault boss Luca de Meo warned in March that European car-makers were facing an “onslaught of electric vehicles from China”.

However, during today’s press conference in Beijing, Putin was keen to cosy up to Chinese car manufacturers.

He said: “We welcome Chinese carmakers in our market.”

China has become a key supplier of Russia‘s vehicles, clothing and other products, following the imposition of sanctions on Moscow.