The European Union announced on Wednesday an investigation into whether China is using unfair methods to deprive companies in Europe of access to its market for medical devices ranging from hypodermic needles to high-tech scanners. The probe launched by the European Commission — the EU’s executive branch as well as its trade and competition watchdog — is the latest attempt to help companies gain the kind of access to China’s vast markets that Chinese firms enjoy in Europe.
We are launching this investigation with China so that we can achieve a level playing field in our procurement markets for producers of medical devices, on both sides,' he said. 'Regrettably, our repeated discussions with China on this trade irritant have been fruitless.' Should it fail to resolve the issue, Brussels could restrict the access of Chinese buyers, goods and services to the EU market.
But China’s foreign ministry said the EU move smacked of protectionism. 'The EU has always touted itself as the most open market worldwide, but what we see now is that it is gradually moving towards protectionism,' ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said. 'We urge the EU to adhere to its commitment to the open market and the principle of fair competition, abide by WTO rules, and stop unwarrantedly suppressing and restricting Chinese companies on various pretexts,' he said.
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