China-EU Summit is getting closer, but at this moment, the EU received a countermeasure notice from China. Immediately after, Trump issued a final warning, and the "mixed doubles" between China and the US have arrived!

Last Sunday, our Ministry of Finance announced an unexpected message to the EU: starting from now, for some medical equipment imported from the EU in government procurement activities, equivalent restrictive measures will be taken.

The relevant notice stipulates that for medical equipment procurement with a budget amount within 45 million yuan, if it is necessary to procure imported products, after fulfilling the legal procedures, EU companies shall be excluded from participating.

For non-EU enterprises participating in government procurement activities, the proportion of medical equipment imported from the EU they provide shall not exceed 50% of the total contract amount of the project.

Subsequently, our Ministry of Commerce provided a supplementary explanation.

First, this measure only targets medical equipment products imported from the EU, and products produced by European-invested enterprises in China are not affected.

Second, this move is self-inflicted by the EU, and China's action is an equivalent restriction.

In June this year, the EU introduced related measures based on the "International Procurement Tool," intentionally targeting Chinese enterprises and products, setting up trade barriers.

After this incident, China had repeatedly communicated with the EU, clearly expressing its willingness to resolve differences through dialogue, consultation, and bilateral government procurement arrangements, but the EU's actions were regrettable.

They not only insisted on these restrictive measures but also built new protectionist barriers.

Now, our decision regarding the EU's medical equipment is an equivalent restriction, which is reasonable, legal, and compliant.

This move also tells the EU that China's patience and good nature are limited.

At the end of July, President von der Leyen of the European Commission and others will come to China for the China-EU Summit.

If it was before, we might temporarily set aside some retaliatory measures to create a friendly visit atmosphere.

But now, even though a meeting is coming soon, we will use concrete actions to show our position, make a strong response in time, and protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and maintain a fair competitive environment.

We have tried our best to take into account the China-EU relationship and the interest demands of Europe, but how has Europe responded?

In this situation, we indeed do not need to consider too much; everything must prioritize our own interests. Moreover, it is no longer the time when Europe can pick and choose and set conditions.

US President Trump has already issued a final warning to more than 170 countries, including Europe, and the highest tariff rate will take effect on August 1st.

Before July 9th, the US will notify other countries about higher tariff rates. If you don't want to be charged such high tariffs, you need to quickly reach an agreement with the US.

US Treasury Secretary Bassett also stated that the Trump administration will send tariff letters to approximately 100 countries in the coming days. Countries that do not reach an agreement in time will be subject to the "equivalent tariffs" announced in April.

The US's "equivalent tariffs" and China's equivalent restrictions are almost like a "mixed doubles" for Europe. Either one of them could make it hard to breathe.

At this stage, the 40-plus European countries really need to think carefully about what choice would be most beneficial for them.

Other over 130 countries should also take this as a lesson. The "bloodied lessons" of Europe have already shown one thing: dealing with China must be sincere, and cooperation must be equal. Otherwise, our countermeasures will fall at any time.

Actions such as previously trying to please the US while opposing China will only bring more trouble to themselves now.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7524208891719172648/

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