China voices concern over EU trade restrictions

China has expressed concern over the European Union's recent push to introduce trade restrictions, noting that such measures have adversely affected industrial and supply chain stability and bilateral business cooperation.

During his meeting with Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade, in Beijing on Tuesday, Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said China and the EU are important economic and trade partners and key supporters of the multilateral trading system.

Wang said two rounds of talks under the China-EU trade and investment consultation mechanism this year had yielded substantial results, demonstrating both sides' ability to address differences through dialogue.

"China is not the source of the EU's problems, but a partner in finding solutions," he added.

The Chinese commerce minister called on the EU to work with China to expand two-way investment, increase China's imports from the bloc and explore cooperation in emerging sectors to promote more balanced bilateral trade in accordance with World Trade Organization rules and the principle of reciprocity and mutual benefit.

Lange said maintaining stable EU-China economic ties is particularly important amid global economic uncertainty.

Lange welcomed Chinese investment in Europe and voiced support for WTO reform. He said the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade supports continued bilateral consultations to manage differences and is willing to play an active role in facilitating dialogue.