China opposes trade protectionism under overcapacity pretext: spokesperson
- China has formally announced its opposition to trade protectionism pursued under the pretext of overcapacity.
- The declaration follows an announcement by the Office of the United States Trade Representative on October 7, revealing that Washington had convened senior officials from 14 other economies...
- The Ministry of Commerce addressed the multi-nation ministerial statement by pointing to previous diplomatic positions.
China has formally announced its opposition to trade protectionism pursued under the pretext of overcapacity.
The declaration follows an announcement by the Office of the United States Trade Representative on October 7, revealing that Washington had convened senior officials from 14 other economies to sign a joint ministerial statement targeting structural excess capacity and production.
Ministry Responds to International Capacity Claims
The Ministry of Commerce addressed the multi-nation ministerial statement by pointing to previous diplomatic positions. Beijing released a dedicated position paper in July to clarify its stance on manufacturing output and global market competition.
According to the ministry, international production capacity issues require a comprehensive, objective, and fair evaluation. The spokesperson argued that certain nations politicize economic and trade matters out of concern for their own industrial competitiveness and market position rather than addressing actual economic imbalances.
Beijing Warns That Trade Protectionism Threatens Global Economic Stability
Beijing warned that utilizing capacity concerns as a justification for trade protectionism threatens the international economic framework. The ministry stated that these protectionist steps disrupt the global economic and trade order while undermining the stability of worldwide industrial and supply chains.
The spokesperson also cautioned that such policies pose long-term risks to global economic growth. In response to these developments, the ministry declared that if relevant economies take steps that harm Chinese interests under the overcapacity pretext, China will take necessary countermeasures.
Calls for Multilateral Industrial Cooperation
Despite the diplomatic friction, the ministry emphasized that China remains committed to building a modern industrial system through openness and cooperation. Beijing supports the establishment of a fair and equitable international economic order.
The spokesperson urged all participating parties to uphold multilateralism and promote mutually beneficial cooperation. Nations should respect the laws of the market economy to jointly safeguard an open and inclusive framework for cooperation across global industrial and supply chains.