China Threatens Strong Response Over EU Plans Targeting Chinese Firms

(MENAFN) According to reports, China has issued a warning that it will respond firmly if the European Union proceeds with new trade measures targeting Chinese companies and goods, which Beijing considers discriminatory.

At a regular briefing, a spokesperson from China’s Ministry of Commerce, He Yadong, addressed discussions within the European Commission regarding possible new trade instruments aimed at concerns over alleged Chinese industrial “overcapacity.”

He Yadong questioned the framing of such claims, arguing that the concept is being applied selectively. “If we label trade surpluses as 'overcapacity,' then should EU's exports of automobiles, pharmaceuticals, wine and cosmetics also be labeled as 'overcapacity'?" he said.

The spokesperson further accused the European Union of inconsistent standards in trade policy and called for a return to constructive engagement rather than escalation. He urged Brussels to resume dialogue and consultation as the preferred path for resolving disputes, saying, “We urge the EU side to return to the right track of dialogue and consultation, and do things that are truly beneficial to the development of China-EU economic and trade relations,” he said.

As stated by reports, relations between European Union and China have become increasingly strained in recent months amid disagreements over state subsidies, industrial competition, and concerns about vulnerabilities in critical supply chains.

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