BEIJING, (Xinhua): China is open and positive in its attitude towards solving economic and trade disputes with the European Union (EU), said a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Monday, adding that China hopes the EU will work together with China to find solutions via dialogue and consultation, and ensure that China-EU economic and trade cooperation continues to benefit businesses and people on both sides.
Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks at a daily press briefing in response to a relevant query concerning EU’s proposal that would force companies to avoid over-dependency in their supply chains. This comes as the bloc is looking to reset its trade relationship with China.
Lin noted between China and Europe, the industrial and supply chains are highly integrated and mutually dependent. This is shaped by economic globalization and market force and has served both Chinese and European businesses well.
European companies make their choice based on cost, technology and efficiency, said Lin. “How is that ‘over-dependence’? Isn’t ‘diversification’ in this case just another version of protectionism? This sort of measures will not make the European industry more competitive, and they certainly go against the EU’s own stated principles of market economy, fair competition and free trade.”
Do not do unto others what you would not have others do unto you, Lin said. China-EU trade is not a zero-sum game. There is no reason why China and the EU can’t succeed together, Lin added.
