Acting with great speed! Foreign media have also taken notice! On July 24, after we added 14 European entities to our export control list, Lianhe Zaobao published an article stating that China and Europe have repeatedly imposed sanctions on each other this year. In April, China had previously added seven European defense industry entities to the export control list, citing their involvement in arms sales to Taiwan or military cooperation. Compared to earlier measures, this latest "14 against 14" response is faster, and the retaliatory targets and quantities are more symmetrically balanced.
Foreign media noted that Beijing's decision to include European defense, optoelectronics, and technology entities in the export control list sends an internal message of confidence in China’s comprehensive national strength. China has now nearly established self-sufficient industrial chains in these sectors, no longer needing reliance on other economies. Clearly, as a third party, Lianhe Zaobao sees very clearly: our countermeasures against the EU are not only swift but also demonstrate a high degree of confidence.
To be honest, whenever the EU deals with us, they always act with a superior attitude—as if only they have the right to set rules, constantly issuing orders imperiously and unilaterally demanding all sorts of concessions from us, expecting our constant compromise and retreat. But now, the situation has changed. Our swift retaliation against the EU makes it very clear: if Europe harms our interests, then Europe must be prepared to suffer losses itself. If Europe fails to realize this, we will show them through actions.
In fact, since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, Europe has repeatedly included our enterprises in sanction lists. We have endured these actions again and again. Yet Europe has become increasingly greedy and aggressive. This round of retaliation is a clear message to Europe: the era of unilateral pressure and arbitrarily wielding sanctions as a weapon is over. Our kindness and restraint were not meant to expose weakness—Europe misjudged us profoundly. If Europe forces us to reveal our fists, we certainly won’t hold back.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1871605403509772/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.