China’s Ministry of Commerce said it would take decisive action if the European Union moves to restrict Chinese companies or goods, saying Beijing must “respond firmly,” according to a CNBC translation of the ministry’s remarks.
The comment, framed as a conditional warning, underscores Beijing’s sensitivity to moves by overseas governments that it views as targeting its commercial interests. The ministry’s words were reported via CNBC, which provided an English translation of the original statement.
Such language highlights the potential for trade and investment tensions to spill into reciprocal measures. If implemented, restrictions by the EU could prompt countermeasures from China, with risks for cross-border supply chains, investor confidence and companies operating in both markets.
It was not immediately clear how Brussels would react to the Commerce Ministry’s warning. The exchange adds to a backdrop of delicate economic and political relations between China and European institutions, where differences over market access, technology and security issues have periodically surfaced.
Observers say the warning will be closely watched by businesses and policymakers in Europe, who must weigh the economic consequences of any restrictions alongside strategic and regulatory considerations. The Ministry of Commerce’s statement, as carried by CNBC, signals Beijing’s readiness to protect what it describes as legitimate interests if it perceives European measures to be unilateral or discriminatory.