China warns of countermeasures if EU cybersecurity rules prove discriminatory

China has expressed serious concerns over the European Union's proposed revision of its Cybersecurity Act, and warned it will take necessary countermeasures if Chinese companies face discriminatory treatment, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

Speaking at a weekly news conference in Beijing, He Yongqian, a spokeswoman for the ministry, confirmed that formal comments were submitted to the European Commission — the EU's executive arm — last week, voicing serious concerns over relevant provisions in the draft.

"We hope the EU will attach great importance to and seriously consider the comments and proposed revisions submitted by the Chinese side," He said.

The spokeswoman emphasized that should Chinese companies face discriminatory treatment as a result of the revision, China may take measures in accordance with the Foreign Trade Law of the People's Republic of China and regulations regarding industrial and supply chain security to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.

China believes that dialogue and cooperation are the right approach to resolving issues facing both sides, and is willing to work with the EU to properly handle differences through consultations and jointly safeguard the stability and smooth operation of global industrial and supply chains, He added.