China believes that, under the pretext of developing relevant EU industries and advancing the green transition, the EU is erecting barriers and engaging in protectionism. "Such actions will not only prove counterproductive, but will also undermine rules, distort fair competition, and disrupt the stability of global industrial and supply chains," according to the spokesperson.

　　Practice has proved that protectionism does not enhance competitiveness, while openness and cooperation remain the right path for development, the spokesperson said, noting that China and the EU are important economic and trade partners with broad shared interests and positive cooperation outcomes in addressing climate change and advancing the green transition.

　　"We call on the EU to take the lead in observing World Trade Organization rules and return to a path of fair, transparent and non-discriminatory cooperation as soon as possible, rather than moving further down the road of rule-breaking and protectionism," the spokesperson noted.

　　China will closely follow the legislative process, carefully assess the potential impact on Chinese interests, and firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, the spokesperson added.

　　The bill has faced divisions within the EU and criticism from some of the bloc"s major trading partners over what they see as a protectionist industrial policy approach.

　　The China Chamber of Commerce to the EU also criticized the proposal on Thursday, warning that the current design of the bill risks shifting toward "a more protectionist and exclusionary system." The chamber also stressed that slowing European industries" access to China"s mature supply chains could hinder the EU"s own decarbonization efforts and ultimately lead to a lose-lose outcome.

　　Global Times