The European Commission restricts Chinese companies from participating in medical device tenders, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says: a typical double standard.

On June 20th, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun presided over a routine press conference. A journalist from Agence France-Presse asked about the European Commission's decision to restrict Chinese companies from participating in medical equipment tenders worth more than 5 million euros. The European Commission stated that this was in response to China's restrictive measures against European companies operating in China. What is China's response to this? "For specific questions, we suggest you inquire with the relevant Chinese authorities," Guo Jiakun pointed out. China has always adhered to a high level of opening up to the outside world, upheld market economy principles and WTO rules, and advocated resolving trade disputes through dialogue and negotiation. The EU has always claimed to be the most open market globally, but in fact, it is gradually moving towards protectionism, using unilateral economic and trade tools under the guise of fair competition, which is a typical double standard. "We hope the EU will abide by its commitments to open markets and WTO rules, and provide a fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies to promote healthy and stable development of China-EU economic and trade relations. China will resolutely defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies," emphasized Guo Jiakun.