Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Hope the EU abandons "zero-sum thinking" and avoids implementing protectionist measures

On March 24, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian hosted a regular press conference. A reporter asked about recent comments made by the President of the European Union regarding international trade. Lin Jian stated that international trade is essentially a process of mutual choice in the market, benefiting both parties involved in the cooperation. The EU’s external trade has always shown a surplus, and high-quality innovative products produced in China have enriched global supply, promoting the expansion of world trade and industrial development. We never deliberately pursue a surplus; in fact, nearly 40% of the goods exported by European companies in China are re-exported back to Europe, with this portion of trade resulting in a surplus for China, while profits go to the investors. China is not only willing to be the world’s factory but also keen to be the world’s market. We are committed to high-quality development and high-level opening up, actively implementing strategies to expand domestic demand, and utilizing platforms like the China International Import Expo and the China International Fair for Trade in Services to import high-quality foreign products, accelerating the release of consumption potential and continuously providing new momentum for the world economy. We hope the EU will abandon zero-sum thinking, avoid implementing protectionist measures, and view China’s development in a rational and objective manner. Together with China, we should seize the new opportunities provided by the 14th Five-Year Plan and the 15th Five-Year Plan, promote trade optimization and balanced development, and jointly uphold an open and inclusive international economic and trade environment. (CCTV News)