Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian. Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry

Asked to comment on EU member states' reported approval of restrictive measures under the International Procurement Instrument (IPI) that limit Chinese companies' access to public procurement tenders in the medical device sector for contracts exceeding 5 million euros ($5.72 million) over a five-year period, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian on Tuesday urged the EU to provide a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies.

While referring the specific question to competent Chinese authorities, Lin noted that China has always adhered to high-level opening-up, upheld market economy principles and trade rules, and advocated resolving trade disputes through dialogue and consultation. 

The EU has always claimed to be the most open market in the world, but in fact it has been moving step by step toward protectionism, frequently resorting to unilateral economic and trade tools, and engaging in unfair competition in the name of open competition, which is a typical double standard, the spokesperson said.

"We hope that the EU will abide by its commitment to market opening and WTO rules, provide a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies, and promote the healthy and stable development of China-EU economic and trade relations," Lin said, vowing to firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies. 

The China Chamber of Commerce to the EU (CCCEU) also expressed profound disappointment over the EU member states' reported approval of restrictive measures under the IPI, while urging the EU to reconsider the necessity and long-term implications, CCCEU said in a statement sent to the Global Times on Tuesday.