More than half of Chinese companies operating in Europe continue to view the EU business environment positively, despite mounting trade barriers and increasingly complex regulatory challenges, according to a report released on Tuesday by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT).

However, many respondents also voiced concerns over what they described as the EU's growing tendency to frame economic and trade matters through a security lens. They said this has resulted in tighter trade and investment restrictions, and also increasing the cost of doing business across the region.

Speaking at a press briefing, CCPIT spokesperson Wang Yifei said Chinese companies hope China and the European Union can resolve challenges in bilateral trade and economic cooperation through dialogue and consultation. She added that businesses are also calling for a fairer, more transparent and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese companies operating in Europe.