The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has expressed strong opposition to a reported initiative by France and Germany to push the European Union toward establishing a trade mechanism modeled on the United States’ Section 301 tariff authority, designed to counter China. Beijing characterized such a measure as “protectionist and unilateralist” and warned that it would respond firmly to any discriminatory restrictions targeting Chinese companies or products.
The ministry’s statement, released Tuesday, underscored the potential impact of the proposed tool on China-EU relations, cautioning that it could seriously undermine mutual trust and disrupt broader economic and trade cooperation. This criticism was heightened by the timing of the proposal, which comes amid preparations for the second round of China-EU trade talks scheduled for later this month.
“The EU has itself been a victim of such tools in the past: do not do unto others what you would not have done unto yourself,” the ministry added, urging Brussels to prioritize dialogue over coercive measures. It indicated that China would closely monitor future developments and reiterated its commitment to protecting the legitimate interests of its industries.
According to analysis from the China practice of the Rhodium Group, French and German officials are finalizing a policy paper calling for the creation of an EU trade instrument capable of swiftly imposing market restrictions on China, potentially within 24 hours. This proposed tool would be intended to parallel Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974, which allows the United States to levy tariffs in response to unfair trade practices following an investigation.
Further reports from Spanish media highlight that Paris and Berlin seek to reform the EU’s existing Anti-Coercion Instrument, aiming to streamline its activation by the European Commission. This reform effort reflects growing sentiment within parts of the European Union to leverage the bloc’s substantial market in exerting pressure on China ahead of the upcoming negotiations.
On the diplomatic front, Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche held a video call Monday to review bilateral trade relations. While Germany described the exchange as a stocktaking of current and prospective economic ties, Chinese officials said the two sides also discussed broader China-EU trade and economic cooperation.
Calls within the EU for a tougher stance against China have been mounting in recent weeks. Pascal Canfin, a French member of the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade, advocated publicly for Europe to transform its market into “an instrument of power” in dealings with China. He cautioned that European leaders would need to maintain resolve to avoid sending mixed signals in any potential trade power struggle.
The development comes as China and the European Union prepare to deepen trade discussions, with Beijing emphasizing that constructive dialogue remains the preferred pathway forward while expressing concern that heightened enforcement tools could hinder ongoing negotiations.