Ambassador Dai Qingli: Protectionist trends in the EU cause concern in Beijing

The partnership between China and the European Union is extremely important. The European Union is our leading trading partner and our major partner for China's modernization. This was stated by China’s ambassador to Bulgaria, H.E. Dai Qingli, in an interview with Radio Bulgaria, when asked about the development of economic and trade relations between the Asian country and Europe in the current global environment.

“Trade with the EU, both in goods and in services, has reached a trillion US dollars a year. Can you imagine how much trade we are doing with each other? So this is a relationship that involves very high stakes if it goes badly for the two sides  ,” Dai Qingli emphasized.

At the same time, she expressed China’s concern about the growing protectionist tendencies in the EU.

“Of course, we respect its autonomy. If the EU decides to pursue a ‘de-risking’ policy in the economic sphere, that is its decision. But when this policy is directed at China in a number of areas, it begins to raise concerns. For example, the EU introduced anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, although there has already been some progress on this issue and the dialogue continues,” the diplomat said.

"Of course, we support its autonomy. Also in the economic sphere, if they want to de-risk, that is their decision. But when the de-risking is targeted at China in many areas, we start to get worried. For example, they put anti-subsidy tariffs on our electrical vehicles, but fortunately that part is being dealt with. Some progress was made on that front." 

Ambassador Dai Qingli noted that Beijing sees this as a “serious challenge” and hopes for “genuine dialogue between China and the EU.”

You can hear the full interview with Ambassador Dai Qingli in the publication "Bulgaria Can Play an Important Role in the Connectivity Between China and Europe".