China has called on the European Union (EU) to avoid going further down the wrong path of protectionism, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said in Beijing on Wednesday.
Guo made the remarks at a regular press briefing when he was asked for comments on the EU's new cybersecurity package aimed at forcibly de-risking supply chains in mobile networks, which some say targets China.
"China noted relevant reports and expresses grave concern over that. Chinese companies have long been conducting lawful operation in Europe and are law-abiding and high-quality providers for the EU's telecom and digital sector. They are never a security threat to European countries," said Guo.
"To forcefully limit or ban companies from the market without any evidence and based on non-technical standards seriously violates market principles and fair competition. This act of protectionism is yet another example of turning normal cooperation to political and security issues. Attempts to arbitrarily intervene in the market and violate economic rules don't make one country safer but pay huge price. Facts prove that in a handful of countries, phasing out quality, safe and secure Chinese telecom equipment not only stifles digital and cyberspace advancement, but also causes huge economic loss," he added.
"We urge the EU to stop pursuing the wrong path of protectionism. China will do what is necessary to defend Chinese companies' lawful rights and interests," said the spokesman.
China urges EU not to go further down wrong path of protectionism
As Portugal's presidential race enters a runoff, voters are voicing frustration over housing, wages, healthcare, and education.
On Sunday, Portugal launched the first major election of Europe's 2026 political calendar. Voters on the streets of Lisbon were focused more on day-to-day issues.
"The issue I carry the most when I'm casting the vote is about our housing prices, because we are having a major crisis. Even for young people, it's really hard to buy our first house. And even renting, the prices in Lisbon are collapsing, even outside, even the outskirts are collapsing. And about our healthcare national system, because it's also collapsing. It's a very complicated issue. And I'm a teacher and when I cast my vote, I need to think about my profession and my future colleagues as well," said Maria.
"I'm concerned about things such as education in Portugal, the healthcare in Portugal, the wages which are pretty low compared to other countries in Europe. Basically for me those are the key points - education, health and wages. And right now, also the cost of living in Portugal is pretty high," said Juan.
Portugal's presidential election will proceed to a second round, with Antonio Jose Seguro leading the first round with 30.69 percent of the votes, according to data released by the General Secretariat of the Ministry of Internal Administration.
Chega party leader Andre Ventura placed second with 26.97 percent of the vote, followed by Luis Marques Mendes of the center-right Social Democratic Party in third place, with 14.82 percent.
The move to a runoff marks the first time in 40 years that a Portuguese presidential election has required a runoff between the two leading candidates.
The runoff vote is scheduled for Feb. 8, with the winner to be determined by a simple majority.
Portuguese voters prioritize housing, wages, healthcare as presidential race heads to runoff
