So-called overcapacity story nothing but pretext used to go protectionist: spokesman

The so-called overcapacity story is nothing but a pretext used by relevant countries to go protectionist, simply because they fear for their own competitiveness and market shares, said a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Wednesday.

Guo Jiakun, the spokesman, made the statement at a press conference in Beijing in response to recent remarks by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen accusing China of subsidizing domestic firms and exporting overcapacity.

"We express strong dissatisfaction with and firm opposition to those baseless and biased remarks that reflect double standards," Guo said.

"China’s industrial subsidy policy follows the principles of openness, fairness, and compliance, and strictly adheres to the WTO rules. Chinese industries have thrived because of China’s hard work on innovation, well-established industrial and supply chains, participation in full market competition, and abundant human resources. They rely on their abilities, not subsidies. China’s new energy sector has contributed enormously to global climate actions and energy transition. The so-called overcapacity story is nothing but a pretext used by relevant countries to go protectionist, simply because they fear for their own competitiveness and market shares. The problem is not 'overcapacity', but 'over-anxiety'," he said.

"In recent years, the EU has been adopting industrial policies with massive subsidies and support for European companies. It even publicly called for a 'European preference'. Available data shows that from 2021 to 2030, the EU will provide more than 1.44 trillion euros worth of subsidies. By 2024, over 300 billion euros of subsidies had already been issued. The EU also rolled out a series of economic and trade toolkits. The EU is working to boost its growth and competitiveness. That requires giving up double standard, being more open and embracing cooperation," Guo added.

"Over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China-EU cooperation has borne fruitful results that have benefited both sides. China will stay committed to high-standard opening-up. This will continue to provide vast market and growth opportunities to European companies. China stands ready to increase communication and coordination with the EU, properly handle trade differences, and achieve win-win and shared prosperity. That said, we firmly oppose any attempt to hurt China’s right to development or even assert one’s own interests at China’s expense," said the spokesman.

So-called overcapacity story nothing but pretext used to go protectionist: spokesman

As temperatures drop in the north hemisphere, large flocks of swans have migrated from the colder north to Jinxian County of Nanchang City in warmer east China's Jiangxi Province to tide over the winter.

This year, thanks to the improved environment, over 10,000 swans have arrived in the vast stretches of wetlands in the county, according to staff of the local forestry bureau.

These beautiful creatures have attracted many birdwatchers, residents, and visitors eager to capture the scene.

"I have been coming here to photograph birds for 12 consecutive years. Each year, I have different experiences in bird photography. Over recent years, I've felt that the ecological system in Jinxian has improved significantly, and the varieties of migratory birds have also increased. This change is a result of everyone's efforts to protect and love birds. Every time I see a stunning scene, my mood is different," said Fan Zheping, a birdwatcher.

Not far from the site, Nanchang City has built a natural education and science popularization base featuring specimen displays, immersive VR experiences, and 3D video presentations.

"Such an immersive experience is not only particularly novel and interesting, but also deepens our understanding of the importance of protecting migratory bird habitats and safeguarding nature," said Luo Canqi, a local pupil.

East China county sees arrivals of over 10,000 swans for wintering