Beijing warns of retaliation if Europe imposes curbs on Chinese businesses

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   China Warns Europe of Retaliation Over Trade Curbs

   China has vowed to respond firmly if the European Union proceeds with restrictions targeting Chinese businesses or products. The Chinese Commerce Ministry criticized potential European trade barriers as protectionism and unilateralism that could disrupt negotiations and supply chains. Beijing and Berlin recently held a video call to discuss economic ties amid the broader trade tensions. The warnings arrive ahead of expected high-level talks in Beijing next week as the European Union weighs a trade tool modeled after U.S. Section 301 to address mounting trade deficits and market access concerns.

   Why it matters

   The brewing trade dispute highlights escalating economic friction between Brussels and Beijing over market access and massive trade imbalances. Europe is reportedly considering a mechanism similar to Section 301 of U.S. trade law to counter perceived unfair trade practices. Beijing argues that such measures damage mutual trust and undermine industrial cooperation between the two regions.

   What is confirmed

   • China's Commerce Ministry stated that China must respond firmly if the European Union introduces restrictions on Chinese businesses or products.
   • Beijing and Berlin held a video call amid reported European plans to shut China out.
   • China criticized a reported European Section 301-style tool as an act of protectionism and unilateralism.

   Still unconfirmed

   • China is prepared to respond with a strong policy toolbox if the European Union presses ahead with a European equivalent of Section 301.

   What to watch next

   • High-level talks in Beijing next week
   • Official European Union announcements regarding Section 301-style trade tools
   • Specific policy actions or retaliatory measures from the Chinese Commerce Ministry
   Sources used for this update (17)

   1. www.cnbc.com — China Politics
   2. CNBC — Beijing warns of retaliation if Europe imposes curbs on Chinese businesses
   3. Reuters — China vows response if EU introduces moves targeting Chinese trade
   4. Bloomberg.com — China Warns Broad EU Tariffs Could Disrupt Trade Negotiations
   5. South China Morning Post — Beijing, Berlin hold video call amid reported plan to shut China out of EU
   6. South China Morning Post — Beijing criticises push for European Section 301-style tool to counter China
   7. ANews — China, Germany discuss economic ties amid broader EU trade tensions
   8. globaltimes.cn — Exclusive: China to respond with strong policy toolbox if EU presses ahead with European equivalent of Section 301: observer
   9. news.cgtn.com — China says reported European '301' tool typical act of protectionism, unilateralism
   10. www.cnbc.com — Beijing warns of retaliation if Europe imposes curbs on ...
   11. www.thevibes.com — China warns of ‘resolute response’ if EU tightens trade curbs
   12. globaltimes.cn — EU trade restrictions risk undermining China-EU industrial cooperation, supply chains: industry body
   confidence 95%