Foreign Ministry: Hopes the EU will abandon "zero-sum thinking" and avoid adopting protectionist measures

People’s Financial News, March 24 — On March 24, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian hosted a routine press conference. A reporter asked about the EU President’s recent remarks on international trade. Lin Jian stated that international trade is fundamentally a process of market-driven mutual selection, which benefits both parties. The EU’s foreign trade has consistently been in surplus. High-quality innovative products produced in China enrich global supply, promote the expansion of world trade, and drive industrial development. We do not deliberately pursue a trade surplus; in fact, nearly 40% of goods exported by European companies in China are re-exported to Europe. The trade surplus is on the Chinese side, but the profits go to the investors. China not only aims to be the world’s factory but also the world’s market. We are committed to high-quality development and high-level opening-up, actively implementing strategies to expand domestic demand. Through platforms like the China International Import Expo and the Service Trade Fair, we are increasing imports of high-quality foreign products, accelerating the release of consumer potential, and continuously providing new momentum for the global economy. We hope the EU will abandon a zero-sum mindset, avoid protectionist measures, and view China’s development rationally and objectively. Together, we can seize the new opportunities provided by the “14th Five-Year Plan,” promote trade optimization and balanced development, and jointly maintain an open and inclusive international economic and trade environment. (CCTV News)