Mounting rhetoric regarding China's global competitiveness in sectors like new energy vehicles is rooted in the protectionist attitude of U.S. and EU officials and media, said Long Yongtu, China's former chief negotiator for entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO).
In recent months, high-level officials from Western countries have renewed accusations of "overcapacity" against China in these emerging manufacturing fields. According to Long, the term seems to target any area of production where China excels.
"I believe that we should have a good understanding of what is overcapacity, what do they mean by overcapacity. It seems to me that they always say that if in certain areas or certain sectors of industry, if Chinese are very competitive, if the Chinese enterprise and the products are competitive, they will say these sectors, these areas are [at] 'overcapacity,' so you are dumping your products all over the world," said Long, speaking in an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN).
The renowned international economist stressed that widening use of the term appears to lack inherent consistency.
"In those areas where they have comparative advantage and competitiveness, they never say overcapacity. When their products come into China, they never say the reason is their overcapacity. I think the problem is still rooted in protectionism. If they find some areas, some countries are more competitive than them, they always take the pretext of overcapacity, trying to resolve this kind of so-called 'overcapacity' issues," Long said.
"They have to know Chinese products going to the international market is a behavior of business logic. They are not based on any protectionist idea. So, I think we should all have a good understanding of what is meant by overcapacity," he added.
'Overcapacity' accusation against China rooted in protectionism: former WTO chief negotiator
'Overcapacity' accusation against China rooted in protectionism: former WTO chief negotiator
'Overcapacity' accusation against China rooted in protectionism: former WTO chief negotiator
Chinese President Xi Jinping held a restrictive meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday at Zhongnanhai in Beijing, during which they had in-depth exchanges on strategic issues of common concern.
The world is undergoing changes unseen in a century and entering a new period of turbulence and transformation, Xi noted, adding that in the face of the ever-evolving world landscape with volatility and turmoil, China has maintained its strategic resolve.
He said that under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people have overcome various difficulties and challenges, and are striving to promote high-quality development and Chinese modernization.
China is willing to work with Russia and other countries to enhance solidarity and cooperation, steer global governance in the right direction, jointly safeguard international fairness and justice, and promote world peace and common development, Xi said.
Noting that China's development is unstoppable and that no force can contain China's growth and progress, Putin said that Russia is willing to improve cooperation with China and other Global South countries to promote international fairness and justice, and to work toward a more equal and multipolar world.
The two heads of state had an in-depth exchange of views on the Ukraine crisis.
Xi elaborated on China's consistent position and efforts to promote the political settlement of the Ukraine issue, stressing that to deal with any major issue, it is necessary to address both the symptoms and the root causes, and to plan for the present as well as for the long term.
He said the core of the Global Security Initiative is advocating the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and the fundamental solution to the Ukraine issue is to promote the establishment of a new balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture.
Xi said China supports the convening of an international peace conference recognized by Russia and Ukraine at an appropriate time with equal participation and fair discussion of all options, so as to push for an early political settlement of the Ukraine issue, and China stands ready to continue to play a constructive role in this regard.
Putin introduced the relevant views and positions of Russia, saying that Russia appreciates China's objective, just and balanced position on the Ukraine issue and welcomes China to continue to play an important and constructive role in the political settlement of the issue. Russia is committed to resolving the Ukraine issue through political negotiations and is willing to demonstrate sincerity and maintain close communication with China in this regard, he said.
Xi said that over the years, they have had many meetings and every exchange has been candid, in-depth and fruitful.
Xi said he is ready to stay in close contact with President Putin and work together to steer the development of China-Russia relations in the right direction, guide the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era to achieve steady and lasting progress, bring more benefits to the two peoples, and contribute to world security and stability.
Putin thanked Xi for his warm hospitality, saying that he is willing to maintain close communication with Xi, implement the important consensus reached between them, and ensure the full development of the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era.
Xi holds restrictive meeting with Putin at Zhongnanhai
Xi holds restrictive meeting with Putin at Zhongnanhai
Xi holds restrictive meeting with Putin at Zhongnanhai
