China urges France, Germany not to push EU toward protectionism

A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce on Tuesday urged France and Germany, as major global economies, to uphold openness, cooperation and free trade, abide by World Trade Organization rules and refrain from pushing the European Union (EU) to resort to protectionist tools.

The spokesperson also called on the two countries not to politicize economic and trade issues, warning that taking the wrong approach could ultimately backfire.

The remarks came in response to a media inquiry about reports that France and Germany had submitted an informal document to the European Commission on Monday, calling for the EU to strengthen its use of trade defense measures and introduce a range of new protectionist tools.

The spokesperson said China had taken note of the reports.

China has consistently maintained that interdependence is not a risk and that closer economic ties are not a threat, the spokesperson said, adding that openness and cooperation are the right path to development.

Protectionism cannot enhance competitiveness, while decoupling and supply chain disruption will only hurt others without benefiting oneself, the spokesperson said.