China urged the European Union (EU) to stop going after and restraining Chinese companies under various pretexts, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a press briefing in Beijing on Wednesday.
Wang made the remarks in response to the EU's announcement that it was starting an investigation into Chinese market access to the government procurement of medical devices.
"The EU has been frequently using its economic and trade 'toolkit' and trade remedies. The moves send out a signal of protectionism, aim at Chinese companies and hurt the EU’s own image. The EU says it is the most open market in the world, but as the world can see, the EU is clearly inching toward protectionism. We urge the EU to honor its commitment to open market and fair competition, observe WTO rules and stop going after and restraining Chinese companies under various pretexts," said the spokesman.
China urges EU to stop surpressing, restraining Chinese companies: spokesman
The 32nd China International Bicycle Fair kicked off in Shanghai on Sunday, with an array of niche products on display.
The four-day exhibition have attracted about 1,460 enterprises to participate. With 7,360 booths, its venue covers an area of 150,000 square meters, increasing 11 percent from the level of last year.
This year, the bicycle manufacturers have brought their latest products of niche categories like gravel bikes, speed mountain bikes and mountain bikes with soft tails to the fair.
"Consumers of road bikes are younger. As the fitness equipment, the road bike is also an efficient tool for social interaction. For this reason, the bike has seen a significant growth," said Zhang Xiaoping, an exhibitor.
Over 1,100 overseas purchasers have come to the fair where they can talk face to face with Chinese manufacturers.
"Regarding Chinese bikes from last couple of years, the new design, the new model is too attractive," said Tasi, a foreign purchaser.
The China Bicycle Association, the organizer of the event, said that in the first quarter of this year, China exported a total of about 10.999 million whole bicycles, a 13.7 percent increase from the fourth quarter of 2023.
The association estimated that this year, China will see a noticeable rise in its bicycle exports to the markets in South East Asia, West Asia, and South America.
32nd China Int'l Bicycle Fair kicks off in Shanghai
