BEIJING, June 8 (Xinhua) -- China adopts an open and positive attitude to resolving economic and trade disputes with the European Union (EU), a spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Monday, adding that China hoped the EU would work with it to find solutions through dialogue and consultation and ensure that China-EU economic and trade cooperation continues to benefit businesses and people on both sides.
Spokesperson Lin Jian made these remarks at a daily press briefing in response to a question concerning the EU's proposal to require companies to avoid excessive dependence in their supply chains. This comes as the EU seeks to redefine its trade relations with China.
Lin stressed that between China and Europe, industrial and supply chains are highly integrated and interdependent. This situation results from economic globalization and market forces, and has been beneficial to both Chinese and European companies.
European companies make their choices based on costs, technology, and efficiency, Lin explained. "How does this constitute 'excessive dependence'? Isn't 'diversification' in this case another form of protectionism? Such measures will not make European industry more competitive, and they clearly go against the EU's own principles of market economy, fair competition, and free trade."
Do not do to others what you would not want done to you, Lin said. Trade between China and the EU is not a zero-sum game. There is no reason why China and the EU cannot succeed together, he added.
