BRUSSELS: The European Union on Wednesday announced a probe into China's medical devices market, prompting an immediate accusation from Beijing that the bloc was engaging in"protectionism".
Beijing lashed out at the investigation, with a foreign ministry spokesman saying it would"damage the EU's image". The EU probe is the first under the bloc's International Procurement Instrument which seeks to promote reciprocity in access to international public procurement markets. Beijing is"invited to submit its views and to provide relevant information" and can hold consultations with the European Commission - the EU's trade authority -"to eliminate or remedy the alleged measures and practices", the text said.Brussels has launched a wave of investigations targeting China over the past few months, looking into green tech subsidies.