China’s Ministry of Finance announced on Sunday that it will limit government purchases of medical equipment from the European Union exceeding 45 million yuan (approximately $6.3 million). This move is a direct countermeasure to restrictive actions taken by Brussels, according to Gazeta Sinjali.
Escalating Trade Tensions
This decision follows a worsening of trade relations between the two blocs. The EU recently imposed tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, to which China responded by levying taxes on European alcohol imports.
Last month, the European Union banned Chinese companies from participating in public tenders for medical equipment valued at over 60 billion euros annually. The EU justified this decision by stating that European companies do not enjoy equal access to the Chinese market. This measure was implemented under the EU’s International Procurement Instrument, which has been in force since 2022.
China’s Strong Response and Warning
China’s Ministry of Commerce reacted sharply to the EU’s decision, labeling it as protectionist and unilateral. “Despite China’s good will and sincerity, the EU has insisted on taking restrictive measures and raising new barriers,” its statement read.
Beijing had previously warned earlier this month that it would take “necessary measures,” signaling a potential further deepening of the trade dispute between China and the EU.
