China’s EU Ambassador Issues Warning To European Governments To Not Block Chinese Companies

Politico: China’s EU ambassador: Don’t block Chinese companies

Zhang Ming warned it would be ‘disastrous’ for EU countries not to promote free markets and open international competition.

The EU could face a backlash from "suspicious" Chinese entrepreneurs if it pursues its plans to limit foreign corporate ownership and China's involvement in 5G communications, the country's ambassador to the EU said.

In an interview with the Financial Times Zhang Ming warned that if EU countries do not promote international cooperation and free markets, "it would be disastrous for them," as it would impact Chinese investments in the bloc.

“What I hope to see is that the EU will keep to the principles of multilateralism and free trade, as well as the principles of openness, fairness, justice and non-discrimination,” he said.

The comments come ahead of recommendations expected in January for EU countries to tighten security checks on 5G companies. China's Huawei, which has faced a backlash from the U.S., is a world leader in the sector.

Zhang also gave a cautions response to a proposed EU-wide carbon border tax, which French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire said earlier this month is needed to curtail imports from countries with laxer environmental standards.

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Update #1: Beijing envoy warns EU against ‘disastrous’ curbs on China companies (Financial Times)
Update #2: Chinese Ambassador Threatens EU With "Disastrous" Consequences If It Launches Curbs Against Chinese Companies (Zero Hedge)

WNU Editor: I always find it entertaining to hear senior Chinese foreign ministry officials threatening other countries to not block Chinese exports while ignoring the inconvenient fact that China has some of the most restrictive import rules on the planet. In the case of China - EU trade, the Chinese are currently enjoying an almost $200 billion trade surplus. That is why their threats are hollow to me.