Beijing criticises push for European Section 301-style tool to counter China - South China Morning Post
Xiaofei Xuin ParisPublished: 11:00am, 30 Sep 2026Updated: 11:08am, 30 Sep 2026The Ministry of Commerce has criticised a reported Franco-German push for the EU to develop a trade tool similar to the US’ Section 301 to counter China, calling it “protectionist and unilateralist” and warning that Beijing would “resolutely respond” to any discriminatory measures against Chinese companies or products.
“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,” it said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
The timing of the reported push, which comes as Beijing and Brussels prepare for a second round of trade talks this month, also drew the ministry’s ire.
“If the EU engages in dialogue and consultation with China on the one hand while ratcheting up a show of strength against China on the other, this will seriously damage mutual trust, disrupt the overall consultation process and affect the broader picture of China-EU economic and trade cooperation,” it said.
