“It is necessary to properly address economic and trade frictions through dialogue and consultation, promote win-win cooperation, and welcome healthy competition,” said the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.

The accusations of “unfair competition” leveled against China are baseless, said Minister Wang Wentao, who stressed that fair competition is the consensus of all countries, the fundamental pillar of international exchanges, and should not be defined by a handful of nations.

Wang emphasized that true fair competition means striving for self-improvement rather than tripping up others and should be open, cooperative, equitable, and mutually beneficial, rather than exclusive. It also means following the rules with international consensus instead of breaking or manipulating them at will, the minister noted and reiterated that China defends win-win cooperation, and does not evade or fear healthy competition.

Wang Wentao also expressed the hope that the European side will abandon trade protectionism and return to the right path of dialogue and collaboration.

He also spoke of the EU anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles, which has affected both Chinese automotive companies and their European counterparts. He reiterated that the right thing to do is to expand cooperation and achieve win-win results in healthy competition.

Just a week ago, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning warned that action would be taken against the EU if the bloc harms bilateral trade relations. If the European side introduces any measure that damages economic and trade cooperation between both sides, Beijing will not stand by and watch idly, she said.

Regarding the EU’s investigations and countervailing tariffs, China has stated its position many times, and quote:“We believe that trade protectionism does not benefit either side and hope that the European Union can fulfill its commitment to free trade and openness.

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