Beijing (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – In response to European Union concerns that European companies had limited access to the Chinese market, China’s commerce ministry said Thursday that Beijing hopes the EU would make fewer accusations.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen indicated earlier this week that, ahead of the anticipated China-EU summit in Beijing in late July, China has saturated global markets with excess capacity, restricted market access, and effectively supported Russia’s war economy.
China hopes the EU would
“make fewer accusations and communicate more, be less protectionist, and be more open,”
He Yongqian, a spokeswoman for the Chinese commerce ministry, spoke at a regular press conference.
China hopes the EU would consider their economic and trade association
“without emotion and prejudice, ”
He stated.
How does Von der Leyen view China’s economy?
In a speech to the European Parliament on Tuesday, Von der Leyen commended China for growing its economy by over tenfold in 50 years, lifting 800 million people out of poverty, and becoming a major industrial power and leader in clean technology.
“But our relations with China must be rooted in a clear-eyed assessment of this new reality,”
She stated.
Von der Leyen stated that China has “unique instruments at its disposal” enabling it to flood global markets with subsidised excess capacity, not only to support its own industries but also to hinder international competition.
She also stated that China’s “unyielding” support for Russia has increased instability and insecurity in Europe, effectively enabling Russia’s economy as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues.
How is China defending its trade practices now?
Her criticism of China came after China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Brussels. During the visit, he told the EU’s chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas, that he hoped the EU would gain a more objective and rational understanding of China and pursue a more positive and pragmatic policy towards it.
On July 2, 2025, while on an official visit to the European Union, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi shared with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas that he wanted the EU to cultivate a more objective and rational understanding of China, to adopt a more positive and realistic policy toward China.
He also underlined the importance of China and the EU as partners, rather than rivals, and that cooperation should be key to their relationship. Yi suggested that a more common understanding, trust and cooperation are needed to tackle global challenges and sustain the international order.
