The Ministry of Foreign Affairs: The European side should comprehensively and objectively view the economic and trade relations between China and Europe

Beijing, May 28 (Xinhua) -- In response to EU officials' recent plans to expand relevant "tools" to "balance" trade with China, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated at a regular press conference on May 28 that whether it is "risk reduction", "dependence reduction" or the so-called "trade balance", they are actually protectionism. The European side should comprehensively and objectively view the economic and trade relations between China and Europe, and abide by its commitment to free trade.

Mao Ning stated that international trade is a two-way choice, and there is no forced buying or selling. The essence of China Europe economic and trade relations is mutual benefit and win-win. China has never deliberately pursued a trade surplus with Europe.

If we only look at trade in goods, not service trade and investment returns; only look at trade figures, not trade structure and profit flow; only look at imports from China, ignoring our own export restrictions, we will naturally come to a one-sided conclusion of trade imbalance, "she said.

Mao Ning said that whether it is "de risking", "reducing dependence" or the so-called "trade balance", they are actually protectionism. This measure will only harm the interests of European consumers, raise business costs, and weaken the long-term competitiveness of the industry. The Chinese side is also closely monitoring the movements of the European side and will take necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.