MOFCOM Spokesperson Answers Questions from the Press on Media Reports That Relevant EU Member States Are Pushing the European Commission to Create an EU-Style "Section 301" Tool

On September 29, in response to media reports that relevant EU member states are pushing the European Commission to create an EU-style "Section 301" tool, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce stated in a press briefing that China and the EU are currently continuing dialogue under the trade and investment consultation mechanism to discuss solutions to each other's concerns. If the EU side, while engaging in dialogue and consultations with China, simultaneously escalates its posture against China, it will seriously undermine mutual trust, disrupt the overall consultation process, and affect the broader landscape of China-EU economic and trade cooperation. China urges the EU side to adhere to the correct track of managing differences through dialogue. China will closely monitor the EU's subsequent moves. If the EU insists on introducing discriminatory restrictive measures against Chinese enterprises or products, China will resolutely respond and defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese industries. The full text is as follows: MOFCOM Spokesperson Answers Questions from the Press on Media Reports That Relevant EU Member States Are Pushing the European Commission to Create an EU-Style "Section 301" Tool Q: Recently, some media reported that certain EU member states are drafting a joint document calling on the European Commission to accelerate the creation of an EU-style "Section 301" tool to take tougher measures against China. What is China's comment on this? A: China has noted the relevant reports. The tool mentioned in the reports is a typical protectionist and unilateral measure. It will not only fail to solve problems but will also backfire on those who use it, and will further disrupt China-EU trade and the stability of global production and supply chains. The EU was once a victim of such tools. Do not do unto others what you would not want done unto you. As an important member of the WTO, the EU has always portrayed itself as a defender of multilateralism. If it fails to lead by example and instead takes the lead in violating WTO rules, it will severely impact the rules-based multilateral trading system. At present, China and the EU are continuing dialogue under the trade and investment consultation mechanism to discuss solutions to each other's concerns. If the EU side, while engaging in dialogue and consultations with China, simultaneously escalates its posture against China, it will seriously undermine mutual trust, disrupt the overall consultation process, and affect the broader landscape of China-EU economic and trade cooperation. China urges the EU side to adhere to the correct track of managing differences through dialogue. China will closely monitor the EU's subsequent moves. If the EU insists on introducing discriminatory restrictive measures against Chinese enterprises or products, China will resolutely respond and defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese industries. This article is excerpted from the "Official Website of the Ministry of Commerce"; GMTEight editor: Huang Xiaodong.