The statement was made during a regular press conference of the Ministry of Commerce.

Ministerial spokesperson He Yadong questioned the use of the term “excess capacity” to refer to the trade surplus of certain countries.

The official pointed out that, under that logic, European exports of automobiles, pharmaceuticals, wine, and cosmetics could also be considered affected by this phenomenon.

He stated that some countries are currently investigating potential overcapacity issues in industrial sectors within the European Union itself.

He also stressed that Brussels should not apply “double standards” on trade matters.

The spokesperson urged the European side to recognize reality and return to the correct path of dialogue and consultation.

He also expressed that China expects actions that truly contribute to the stable development of economic and trade relations between the two sides.

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