China Calls on EU to Adopt Open Mindset Toward Foreign Investment
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun characterized the partnership's foundation during a routine press briefing in the capital, as reported by a state media outlet.
"The essence of China-EU economic and trade relations lies in complementary advantages and mutual benefit and win-win outcomes," Guo stated.
Guo pushed back against allegations that government subsidies fuel Chinese manufacturing dominance, instead attributing market success to "massive investment in research and development, full market competition, and a complete industrial chain working together."
The statement followed French President Emmanuel Macron's address Tuesday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he advocated for increased Chinese capital flows into European markets.
"China is welcome, but what we need is more Chinese foreign direct investments in Europe, in some key sectors, to contribute to our growth, to transfer some technologies, and not just to export towards Europe," Macron said, referencing ongoing debates about regulatory standards and state support mechanisms.
Addressing those concerns, Guo countered that Beijing has "never deliberately pursued trade surpluses" and seeks to function not only as "the world's factory" but also as "the world's market."
Commercial exchange between the EU and China—the globe's second-largest economy—totaled $849.81 billion in the previous year, according to data from China's General Administration of Customs.
Guo called on European leadership to adopt a strategic perspective, "meet China halfway," and advance the sustained and healthy development of China-EU economic and trade relations.
On a separate front, Guo addressed Sino-American relations following comments by US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, who indicated Tuesday in Davos that additional trade negotiations with China might occur before a scheduled April summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, per Bloomberg reporting.
Without verifying the proposed discussions, Guo emphasized that Beijing and Washington should "inject more stability and certainty into China-US economic and trade cooperation, as well as the world economy."
Guo also leveled criticism at the European Commission, charging it with "engaging in political manipulation under the guise of security," in response to the EU's Tuesday unveiling of a comprehensive cybersecurity framework designed to fortify resilience and protect information and communication technology infrastructure from threats posed by third-nation vendors.
"We urge the EU to avoid going further down the wrong path of protectionism," Guo said. "Otherwise, China will take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises."
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