China’s government reaffirmed its position on potentially restrictive trade measures being considered by the European Union this week as a means of rectifying a growing trade imbalance, urging the trade bloc to proceed with caution.
Asked for a response to Europe’s rumored plans to implement import restrictions on certain products like chemicals, furniture and machinery made in China, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said, “It is hoped that the EU will abide by the principles of market economy and fair competition, avoid abusing trade remedies, and take concrete actions to promote the steady and sound development of China-EU relations.”
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The Foreign Ministry’s stance is that the relationship with the EU is “essentially a partnership,” he added, and that the economic and trade ties are mutually beneficial.“
Huang Ling, spokeswoman for China’s Ministry of Commerce, was more direct in her assessment, saying at a weekly briefing that “artificially restricting normal trade is suspected of violating World Trade Organization rules.” She added that China would take “all necessary measures” to protect its interests.
The remarks come days after the conclusion of the China-EU Trade and Investment Consultation. According to the European Parliament, in meetings with Chinese counterparts, Members stressed that neither side would benefit from a trade conflict. However, the Parliament’s Committee on International Trade (INTA) delegation raised concerns that European companies are facing headwinds due to China’s excess production capacity and Beijing’s decrees that negatively impact foreign firms.
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