Beijing (TDI): China has reiterated that the close integration between Chinese and European Union supply chains is a natural outcome of market forces and global economic development, rather than excessive dependency.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks during a regular press briefing while responding to reports that the European Union is considering measures that would require companies to reduce reliance on certain supply chains, particularly those linked to China.
Lin questioned the rationale behind describing cost-driven corporate decisions as “over-reliance,” suggesting that the EU’s push for “diversification” could amount to disguised protectionism.
Read More: Beijing Urges Pragmatism as China-EU Ties Mark 50 Years
He argued that such an approach would not improve Europe’s industrial competitiveness and would go against the principles of free trade and market-based economies that the EU itself supports.
He emphasized that economic relations between China and the EU are not a zero-sum competition, but rather a framework that can generate mutual benefit and shared growth.
Read More:China Sends Medical Team to DRC as Ebola Outbreak Spreads
Lin added that China remains open to resolving trade and economic differences through dialogue and consultation, and expressed hope that both sides can continue cooperation in a way that benefits businesses and citizens in both regions.
