The Goldwind Science and Technology (Goldwind) logo is seen displayed on a smartphone screen. Photo: VCG

China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME) on Friday expressed serious concerns and opposition to the European Commission's decision to launch an in-depth investigation into a Chinese wind power enterprise under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR), urging the EU side to provide a non-discriminatory and predictable business environment for Chinese enterprises.

The CCCME has noticed that the European Commission recently launched an in-depth investigation into a Chinese wind power enterprise under the EU's FSR. This marks another investigation following the EU's initiation of a similar in-depth investigation into a Chinese security inspection equipment company last December. CCCME expresses serious concerns and opposition to this action, the chamber wrote in a statement on its official WeChat account on Friday.

Since the implementation of the FSR, Chinese enterprises have been frequently investigated. During these investigations, the EU has exhibited issues such as a broad scope of subsidies, vague determination criteria, reversal of the burden of proof, lack of procedural legitimacy, and a serious lack of transparency, the chamber criticized.

"The EU's discriminatory practices have severely undermined the normal operations and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises in Europe, significantly dampened their confidence in investing in the EU, hindered the EU's green industrial transformation and China-EU industrial cooperation, and are not conducive to the overall interests of the EU," it stressed.

Chinese green industry enterprises, including those in wind power, have expanded into the European market through continuous technological innovation, a complete industrial chain and supply chain, and products tailored to the needs of the European market and consumers. They have made important contributions to Europe's green transformation and efforts to address global climate change. China and the EU possess enormous potential for cooperation in green energy and digital infrastructure construction, according to the CCCME.

The CCCME strongly urges the EU to uphold an objective and impartial stance, exercise caution in using unilateral investigative tools, provide a non-discriminatory and predictable business environment for Chinese enterprises operating in Europe, jointly promote the integration and connectivity of China-EU industries, and achieve the goal of global green and sustainable development.

The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess, under the FSR, the activities of Goldwind Science & Technology Co., Ltd (Goldwind) in the production and sale of wind turbines and the provision of related services within the EU, according to a statement on the commission's website on Tuesday.

China has always advocated resolving differences through dialogue and consultation, and opposes the politicization or securitization of economic and trade issues, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce said on Wednesday, according to the ministry's website.

"We urge the EU side to immediately correct its erroneous practices, exercise prudence in using the FSR unilateral investigation tool, and create a fair, just, predictable market environment for China-EU cooperation," the spokesperson said, adding that China will closely monitor subsequent developments, and take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.

"Goldwind consistently places compliance at the core of its global operations," the company said in a statement on its website on Wednesday.

"In all markets where it operates, including the European Union, the company is committed to maintaining robust corporate governance and internal control systems while strictly adhering to international rules and local laws," it stressed.

The company emphasized that its business activities in the EU market remain normal and orderly. Goldwind assured its customers and partners that it will continue to provide high-quality services and support despite the ongoing probe.