China strongly dissatisfied with EU probe into Chinese wind power enterprise: commerce ministry

China has voiced serious concerns and strong dissatisfaction over the European Commission's decision to launch an in-depth investigation into a Chinese wind power enterprise under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR), a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce said on Wednesday.

The remarks came in response to a media query on a recent announcement by the European Commission.

The European Union (EU) has frequently used the FSR tool to investigate Chinese companies, and it has announced that its current probe into wind power and security inspection equipment enterprises will be escalated to an in-depth investigation, demonstrating clear targeting and discrimination, the ministry said.

It emphasized that these investigations overgeneralize the concept of "foreign subsidies," involve issues such as non-transparent procedures and insufficient evidence to initiate cases, and are typical acts of protectionism disguised as "fair competition."

Following its own investigation, China's Ministry of Commerce legally confirmed in January 2025 that the EU's relevant practices constitute trade and investment barriers. "Instead of correcting its wrongdoing, the EU has gone further down the wrong path," the spokesperson said.

The ministry highlighted that Chinese enterprises in green industries like wind power have been providing high-quality green products and making positive contributions to the global climate response, relying on continuous technological innovation, a sound industrial system and full market competition.

"The EU's abuse of investigative tools not only seriously disrupts mutually beneficial China-EU industrial cooperation and undermines Chinese companies' confidence in investing in Europe, but will also delay the green transition in Europe and around the world," the spokesperson said.

China has always advocated resolving differences through dialogue and consultation, and opposes the politicization or securitization of economic and trade issues, according to the ministry.

"We urge the EU side to immediately correct its erroneous practices, exercise prudence in using the FSR unilateral investigation tool, and create a fair, just, predictable market environment for China-EU cooperation," the spokesperson said, adding that China will closely monitor subsequent developments, and take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.

China strongly dissatisfied with EU probe into Chinese wind power enterprise: commerce ministry

Polish citizens are feeling the squeeze of surging energy costs, as the conflict in the Middle East continues to roil the international energy market,

In Poland, rising fuel prices are gradually making their way into everyday life and the real economy. Many residents said higher energy costs are taking a heavy toll.

"I do think about this issue more and try to reduce my fuel consumption. Overall, everything happening right now is unsettling," said Pawel, a Warsaw resident.

"I really feel it. Prices have gone up a lot. We're trying to cope and can manage for now. Taxi fares haven't increased yet, but it's definitely getting harder," said Wiktor, another resident.

"Of course it has affected us. Because fuel prices have gone up, everything else is more expensive and costs more now," said Anita, another local resident.

Meanwhile, those working in the transport and service sectors said rising oil prices are directly impacting their businesses.

"The courier industry, like most taxi drivers, is soon going to face closure and be forced out of business. I used to drive international long-distance buses, and honestly, some people in that sector are also thinking about quitting," said Michal, another Warsaw resident.

Lukasz Goczek, a professor from the Department of Macroeconomics and Theory of Foreign Trade at the University of Warsaw, said the continued shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor, could leave global energy prices elevated for a long time, heavily impacting the world economy.

"Iran has this huge leverage. It's got the whole world in a chokehold because 20 percent of oil that's transported in the world goes through the Strait. It obviously means that the price of energy is going to increase. We see it at the petrol stations," said Goczek.

Goczek also noted that U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran have dealt a serious blow to the international order.

"I think that's pretty much, by now, the international law. If it's not that, it's definitely very, very illegal. There wasn't any reason for war. It just straightforwardly began without any warning. So it was much of a surprise. We need the international order to have peace, to prosper, to have trade," said Goczek.

Rising energy costs squeeze Polish households, businesses