China on Monday reiterated the country's opposition to protectionism following the European Commission's decision to launch an anti-dumping probe into Chinese solar equipment exports.
Speaking at a news briefing prior to Premier Wen Jiabao attending the 15th China-EU Summit in Brussels, Vice Foreign Minister Song Tao said a trade war would go against both sides' interests against the backdrop of the current world economic situation.
"The international financial crisis and euro debt crisis have affected both the Chinese and the European economy, and China and the European Union should make joint efforts to counter the challenges," he added.
In July, Germany's SolarWorld and several European enterprises filed an anti-dumping complaint regarding Chinese solar products with the European Commission. The commission said the products subject to the investigation are crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules, or panels, cells and wafers of the type used in these modules or panels.
However, Song said China and Europe should resolve their conflict of interests through dialog and consultations with a view to win-win reciprocity. As major global economies, China and the EU complement each other and the two sides can tap potential for economic cooperation in technological innovation, green development, infrastructure and finance.
"Only if China and the EU stick to the principle of mutual respect, equality and reciprocity will there be a bright prospect of cooperation for both sides," state-run Xinhua news agency quoted him as saying.
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Political News
June 12, 2026 17:14 ET Major central bank action was the focus this week in economic news. The European Central Bank became the first major central bank to move in response to the rising inflationary pressures in the backdrop of the conflict in the Middle East. In North America, the U.S. inflation and trade data as well as Canada’s central bank decision gained attention. The Chinese trade data was the main news in Asia.