LONDON, July 5 (Reuters) - Leading European cognac

producers will attend a hearing on China's anti-dumping probe of

the industry in Beijing on July 18 - their first chance to

defend themselves in person since the investigation began

earlier this year, an industry source said.

Companies behind major brands Martell, which is owned by

Pernod Ricard, Remy Martin - part of Remy Cointreau

- and Hennessey, owned by LVMH, received a

summons overnight to attend the hearing, the source said, asking

not to be named because they were not authorised to speak on

behalf of the industry.

China announced plans on Friday for the hearing on European

brandy imports, ramping up tension on the same day the European

Commission's provisional tariffs on Chinese-made electric

vehicles take effect.

Beijing announced its anti-dumping probe on EU brandy in

January, saying European brandy producers were selling into

China at below-market rates.

France's cognac makers said that while they would cooperate

with the investigation, they suspected the probe was linked to a

broader trade row rather than the liquor market.

The companies producing Martell, Remy Martin and Hennessey

cognac were selected as sample firms for the investigation.

The industry had previously signalled its willingness to

participate in such a hearing, the source added, saying

representatives of the companies would attend to answer

questions.

They may also be able to make their case against tariffs,

the source said.