As trade dynamics shift, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has called on the European Union to approach their bilateral economic and trade relations with objectivity and rationality. Speaking at a regular press briefing on Thursday, spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that trade protectionism is contrary to economic principles and serves no one.
The call comes as the EU is expected to introduce new trade restrictions targeting China later this month. This move aligns with the EU's ongoing "de-risking" strategy, a narrative that Beijing argues is disconnected from the reality on the ground.
Market data suggests a different trend among businesses. A recent survey by the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China revealed that 68% of European companies intend to either maintain or expand their operations in China. Furthermore, nearly one-third of these firms plan to deepen their localization efforts within the Chinese market.
Highlighting the depth of the relationship, Mao Ning pointed out that over the past five decades, annual trade between China and the EU has expanded by more than 300-fold, with two-way investment now approaching $260 billion. These figures, she noted, underscore the strong momentum and broad prospects for continued cooperation.
The Chinese side maintains that the economic synergy between the two regions is rooted in comparative advantages and shared interests. "Complementarity is not a risk, and intertwined interests are not a threat," Mao stated, suggesting that the continued commitment of European firms is the most potent rebuttal to the "de-risking" discourse.
China continues to express hope that both parties can work together to bridge differences and expand cooperation to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes in an increasingly complex global economy.
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China urges EU to view bilateral economic ties objectively, rationally
cgtn.com
