Q: Recently, media reports said that some EU member states are drafting a joint document calling on the European Commission to accelerate the development of a European version of the “Section 301” tool and take tougher measures against China. What is China’s comment on this?

A: China has noted the relevant reports. The tool mentioned in the reports is a typical protectionist and unilateral measure. It will not help solve any problem, but will backfire on those who use it and further disrupt China-EU trade and the stability of global industrial and supply chains. The EU itself was once a victim of such tools. As the saying goes, do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself. As an important WTO member, the EU has always portrayed itself as a defender of multilateralism. If it fails to set a good example and instead takes the lead in violating WTO rules, it will deal a severe blow to the rules-based multilateral trading system.

At present, China and the EU are continuing dialogue under the China-EU Trade and Investment Consultations (TIC) to explore solutions to each other’s concerns. If the EU side, while engaging in dialogue and consultation with China, simultaneously ratchets up pressure on China, it will seriously undermine mutual trust, disrupt the overall consultation process, and affect the broader picture of China-EU economic and trade cooperation.

China urges the EU side to stay on the right track of managing differences through dialogue. China will closely follow the EU’s subsequent moves. If the EU side insists on introducing discriminatory restrictive measures against Chinese enterprises or products, China will respond resolutely to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese industries. (Released on September 29)