Chinese state media has strongly criticized recent trade pressure statements from the European Union (EU) regarding China.
On September 10, the Global Times reported that "EU officials have repeatedly issued ultimatum-like demands to China, and European media are claiming that the EU and China are on the brink of a trade war."
Maros Sefcovic, the EU's Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, recently demanded clear commitments from China to address trade imbalances, stating, "I want to see initial actions by early October." He warned that if dialogue fails to yield results, there would be political pressure within the EU to seek alternative solutions.
The Global Times noted, "China has not responded aggressively to the EU's harsh statements and has been advocating for resolving mutual concerns through dialogue and negotiation," emphasizing that unilateral conditions or threats of market closure should not be used as pressure tactics. The media outlet also pointed out that Europe, which is experiencing trade friction with the United States, should reflect on its own stance towards Washington and how the U.S. treats Brussels.
Additionally, the article refuted European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's frequently cited figure of a trade deficit with China amounting to approximately 1 billion euros per day. It argued that this figure does not reflect the EU's service trade surplus with China and failed to acknowledge that many products produced by European companies in China and sold back to the European market are recorded as profits for China, while the majority of actual profits return to Europe.
The media stated, "China does not desire a trade war, but it is not afraid of one," asserting that demands for unilateral concessions through unequal trade agreements are unacceptable. It further questioned whether the EU truly has the capability to engage in a trade war with China, challenging, "If you are really prepared, go ahead and try it."
Meanwhile, China's exports to the EU reached $425.2 billion in cumulative figures as of August this year, a 15.3% increase from the previous year. Imports amounted to $182.8 billion, up 6.2%. China's trade surplus with the EU for this year has increased by 23.3% to $242.5 billion.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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