Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian

International trade is, in essence, a process of two-way market selection that benefits all parties involved, Chinese Foreign Ministry Lin Jian said on Tuesday when responding to a question regarding the remarks of the president of the European Commission on the EU-Australia free trade deal.

The EC president said neither side should become reliant on imports from a single supplier, and voiced opposition to "absorb China's export-led growth model" and raised concerns about so-called "industrial overcapacity." Lin noted that the EU has long maintained an external trade surplus. China's high-quality, innovative products have enriched global supply and boosted trade, and China does not deliberately pursue a surplus.

Lin said that about 40 percent of exports by European companies in China are shipped back to Europe, with the surplus recorded on the Chinese side but profits accruing to investors. China is not only the world's factory, but also aims to be the world's market. Lin expressed hopes that the European side abandons zero-sum mindset, refrains from adopting protectionist measures, and takes a rational and objective view of China's development.

Global Times