China urges EU to observe commitment to open market, WTO rules: spokesman

China

China urges EU to observe commitment to open market, WTO rules: spokesman

2025-06-20 19:53 Last Updated At：22:57

China urges the EU to observe its commitment to an open market and WTO rules, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Friday, in response to the European Commission's decision to exclude Chinese companies from public tenders for some medical equipment.

"China is committed to high-standard opening-up, upholding the principles of market economy and WTO rules, and solving trade disputes through dialogue and consultation. The EU claims to be one of the most open markets in the world, but in reality has been inching towards protectionism, frequently resorting to unilateral trade tools, and competing unfairly in the name of fair competition. This is typical double standard," said Guo Jiakun, the spokesman, at a press conference in Beijing.

"We hope the EU will observe its commitment to an open market and WTO rules, provide Chinese companies with a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory business environment, and work for sound and steady China-EU trade ties. China will firmly safeguard the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies," said the spokesman.

OPEC forecasts 23 pct rise in global energy demand by 2050

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) released its latest World Oil Outlook 2050 on Sunday, projecting a 23-percent increase in global energy demand by mid-century.

The report emphasizes that meeting this rising demand and tackling associated challenges will require a comprehensive approach leveraging all forms of energy, advanced technologies, and broad social engagement.

According to the outlook, oil will remain the largest single source of energy through 2050, accounting for just under 30 percent of the global energy mix. Combined, oil and natural gas are expected to sustain a majority share of the world's energy consumption, representing more than half of the total between 2024 and 2050.

The report highlights a stark regional divide in energy trends as nearly all of the projected growth in energy demand will come from developing countries. In contrast, energy consumption in developed nations is expected to remain flat or decline over the same period.