Confronted with Chinese countermeasures, EU official vows to spare no effort in defending European industry

Maroš Šefčovič, EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, stated in an interview that the EU would stand firm on its position. Following China's announcement of countermeasures against the EU's new plan to strengthen its industrial base, Šefčovič issued a stern warning, emphasizing that the EU would act without hesitation to protect its industries.

On April 27, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce responded to the EU’s "Industrial Accelerator Act" (IAA) in a press Q&A session, saying: "China views the Act as imposing numerous restrictive requirements on foreign investment in four emerging strategic sectors—batteries, electric vehicles, photovoltaics, and critical raw materials—and including exclusive 'EU-origin' clauses in public procurement and public support policies, which constitute serious investment barriers and institutional discrimination."

The spokesperson added: "China will closely monitor the relevant legislative process and stands ready to engage in dialogue with the EU. If the EU ignores China’s recommendations, proceeds with legislation despite these concerns, and thereby harms the interests of Chinese enterprises, China will have no choice but to take countermeasures to firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies."

Additionally, according to a report by Reuters on the 29th, a Chinese diplomat said that if the EU fails to make substantial adjustments to the proposed draft revisions of the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) and the Cybersecurity Act (CSA), China will implement countermeasures targeting the EU and its businesses.

Under the new cybersecurity rules, the EU plans to gradually phase out components and equipment from "high-risk" suppliers in key industries—a proposal criticized by Huawei, China’s leading telecom giant. China hopes the EU will remove provisions defining "countries posing cybersecurity concerns" and "high-risk" entities.

The Industrial Accelerator Act is part of a broader EU strategy aimed at helping domestic industries compete with American and Chinese rivals. Unlike U.S. and Chinese competitors, European firms do not face Europe’s strict regulations or high energy prices. The Act would impose EU manufacturing content and low-carbon emission requirements on sensitive goods produced through public procurement or receiving production subsidies. Similarly, China also urges the EU to eliminate key provisions related to origin, procurement, and technology transfer requirements.

When asked about China’s reaction to the EU’s so-called necessary measures aimed at strengthening sovereignty and restoring fair competition, Šefčovič told EuroNews that the EU would "always" defend its businesses.

Šefčovič emphasized: "As long as we detect any unfair treatment toward every job, every enterprise, or every open sector in Europe, we will spare no effort to defend them."

Responding to this, the EU has advanced legislative proposals in the fields of cybersecurity and single market rules for enterprises, provoking strong reactions from China. Beijing accuses the EU of adopting unfair practices.

Regarding the draft revision of the EU’s Cybersecurity Act, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce told reporters on the 27th: "If the EU persists in enacting the law based on these drafts and discriminates against Chinese enterprises, China will have no alternative but to take corresponding countermeasures. We hope the EU does not underestimate China’s firm determination to protect national interests and the legitimate rights and interests of enterprises, and to prevent a deterioration of Sino-European economic and trade relations."

Šefčovič dismissed claims that escalating tensions signal an imminent China-EU trade war, but stressed that the EU would not yield under pressure and expects mutual respect. He said, "We never threaten our partners—certainly not through media outlets. What we need is strategic patience and immense courage."

Šefčovič noted that "war" is often easy to start but difficult to end. A Chinese official told EuroNews that Beijing does not wish for trade disputes to escalate, yet stressed that China takes any perceived discriminatory actions extremely seriously. The EU denies engaging in discrimination.

Šefčovič also pointed out growing concern over the expanding EU trade deficit with China. The trade deficit reached €359.3 billion in 2025, which Šefčovič described as "completely unsustainable," with no signs of improvement. He further stated that EU policymakers, members of the European Parliament, and economic stakeholders have taken "very strong economic and political measures" to address the trade imbalance.

The EU is currently urging China to enter serious negotiations and achieve tangible results. Šefčovič mentioned: "I invited the Chinese Foreign Minister to visit Brussels because I believe we need a very comprehensive assessment of the current situation, and what I hope to see is constructive engagement."

Šefčovič clearly stated that the EU would not be forced to retreat on these issues.

"China has very strong industrial policies. So do the United States, Canada, Japan, and South Korea. Therefore, if the EU takes equivalent measures—especially regarding public funding—no one should be surprised," he said.

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1863990339770439/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author