China-EU trade benefits both sides: spokeswoman

China-EU trade is a two-way choice that benefits both sides, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said Monday at a press conference in Beijing.

Mao made the remarks in response to a reporter seeking comments on Europe's current heatwave and on China-made cooling products such as air conditioners, fans, and multi‑function sunscreen umbrellas, which are in high demand among European consumers, with some items even becoming hard to come by.

"Overcapacity or shortage, consumers make their own judgment. Goods that meet demand, offer solid quality and are competitively priced will naturally be favored by customers. The China-EU trade structure is the natural outcome of market-driven choices based on complementary strengths. Facts show that in China-EU trade, consumers gain real benefits while suppliers earn profits. There is no such thing as forced trade. It is a two-way choice that benefits both sides. We hope relevant people on the EU side will look at China-EU economic and trade ties objectively, drop the zero-sum mentality, and work together to make the pie of mutual benefit bigger," Mao said.

Tokyo stocks ended mixed Monday as investors took profits in recently outperforming heavyweight technology shares, while falling crude oil prices eased inflation concerns.

The benchmark 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average edged down 6.38 points, or 0.01 percent, to close at 69737.69 points.

The broader Topix index, meanwhile, extended its gains to a sixth straight session, finishing up 37.36 points, or 0.92 percent, at a record close of 4,101.96.

The Nikkei spent most of the day in negative territory as investors locked in gains on heavyweight chip- and artificial intelligence-related stocks, although dip-buying briefly lifted the index into positive territory.

At the same time, the retreat in crude oil prices to levels seen before the Middle East conflict helped ease inflation concerns and support market sentiment, analysts said.