China has expressed hope that the European Union will make fewer accusations about limited access for European companies to the Chinese market and will focus on more dialogue. This was stated by Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesman He Yongqiang at a regular press conference, quoted by "Reuters", reports News.bg.
His comments come in the context of the upcoming summit between China and the EU, which will be held in Beijing at the end of July. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in a speech earlier this week, sharply criticized China for the "overcapacity" it has flooded global markets with, as well as for its limited access to its own market and its de facto support for Russia's military economy.
"We hope the EU will make fewer accusations and communicate more, be less protectionist and more open", said He Yongqiang. He said Beijing expects the EU to view bilateral economic and trade relations "without emotion and prejudice".
In an address to the European Parliament on Tuesday, von der Leyen noted China's impressive economic progress, with its economy growing tenfold in 50 years and lifting 800 million people out of poverty. But she stressed that relations with Beijing must be based on a "realistic assessment of the new situation".
Von der Leyen accused China of using "unique tools" to subsidize overproduction and undermine global competition. She added that "unyielding" support for Russia contributes to instability in Europe and strengthens the Russian economy while the war in Ukraine continues.
Her remarks came days after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Brussels, where he told EU High Representative Kaia Kallas that he hoped the bloc would adopt a "more objective, rational and practical" attitude towards China.