A representative of China's Ministry of Commerce appealed to France and Germany, naming them major global economies, on Tuesday, urging them to uphold the principles of openness, cooperation, and free trade. He also asked both countries to adhere to World Trade Organization rules and not push the European Union (EU) toward using protectionist measures.
Furthermore, the representative emphasized the need to avoid politicizing economic and trade issues, warning that an erroneous approach could lead to negative consequences.
These statements came after reports emerged that France and Germany sent an unofficial document to the European Commission on Monday. This document contained a demand to strengthen the application of EU trade defense measures and introduce new protectionist tools.
The Ministry of Commerce representative noted that China has taken note of the aforementioned reports. He also stated that China consistently believes that interdependence does not pose a threat, and closer economic ties are not dangerous, insisting that openness and cooperation are the right path to development.
In the representative's view, protectionism is incapable of increasing competitiveness, whereas market division and disruption of supply chains will harm others without benefiting the country itself.