China EU Photo:VCG

 
The China Chamber of Commerce to the EU (CCCEU) on Friday local time strongly opposed the EU's new restrictions on Chinese firms participating in medical device procurement contracts over 5 million euros ($5.7 million), urging the bloc to reverse the decision and restore a fair, equitable, and non-discriminatory business environment.

The CCCEU called the EU's move, following its investigation under the International Procurement Instrument (IPI) "a blatant act of discrimination against Chinese products and suppliers." It said the decision "seriously distorts fair competition and undermines the principle of a level playing field."

The CCCEU criticized the IPI findings as neither impartial nor grounded in objective facts, expressing concerns over the negative impact this market distortion could have on China-EU investment relations. The chamber stressed the need to restore fairness and equity for Chinese enterprises operating in the EU market.

"We urge the EU to take steps to reverse this regrettable decision and restore a fair, equitable, and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises operating in the EU," the chamber said in a statement.

In response to the EU's restriction, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Friday that although the EU claims to be one of the most open markets in the world, it has been moving toward protectionism. The ministry added that China will firmly safeguard the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies.

Global Times