The Ministry of Commerce responded to the EU's promotion of the European version of the "301" tool: If discriminatory measures are introduced, China will resolutely respond

China News Service, Beijing, September 30. Regarding the relevant EU member states' push for the European Commission to create a European version of the "301" tool, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce of China stated on the evening of September 29 that if the EU insists on introducing discriminatory restrictive measures against Chinese companies or products, China will resolutely respond.

Recently, media reported that some EU member states are formulating a joint document calling on the European Commission to speed up the formulation of the European version of the "301" tool and take tougher measures against China.

The spokesperson said that the tools mentioned in the report are typical protectionist and unilateral measures. They will not only not help solve the problem, but will also backfire on themselves and disrupt the stability of China-EU trade and global production and supply chains. The EU has also been a victim of such tools. It does not do to others what they do not want others to do to them. As an important member of the WTO, the EU has always flaunted itself as the defender of multilateralism. If it fails to lead by example and instead takes the lead in violating WTO rules, it will surely severely impact the rules-based multilateral trading system.

"Currently, China and the EU are continuing to engage in dialogue under the trade and investment consultation mechanism to discuss and resolve mutual concerns." The spokesperson said that if the EU is engaging in dialogue and consultation with China while increasing its show of strength against China, it will seriously undermine mutual trust, interfere with the overall consultation process, and affect the overall situation of China-EU economic and trade cooperation.

The spokesperson said that China urges the EU to stick to the right track of managing differences through dialogue. China will pay close attention to the EU's subsequent developments. If the EU insists on introducing discriminatory restrictive measures against Chinese companies or products, China will respond resolutely and defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese industries. (over)