A: China has noted that the French government has started enforcing the so-called “penalty” charges under the Anti-Ultra-Fast Fashion Law. China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the French side’s insistence on pursuing this trade restrictive measure, which is clearly discriminatory.

China has previously made clear its position that this law, under the pretext of setting so-called “environmental protection” and “sustainability” standards, applies double standards and is suspected of violating the WTO’s non-discrimination principle. Despite China’s representations, the French side has insisted on advancing the relevant measures, causing significant operational losses to the Chinese-invested enterprises concerned. This will not only undermine the legitimate rights and interests of these enterprises, but also hurt the vital interests of French consumers.

China urges the French side to immediately stop the implementation of the Anti-Ultra-Fast Fashion Law, properly resolve differences in sustainable textile trade through equal-footed dialogue, and create a fair and non-discriminatory market environment for Chinese-invested enterprises. If the French side insists on going its own way, China will take necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese-invested enterprises, and all consequences arising therefrom shall be borne by the French side.