China urges EU to 'refrain from introducing protectionist' measures

China on Friday urged the EU to "refrain from introducing protectionist" measures, following reports that the bloc was preparing new trade instruments to reduce its trade deficit with China.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning called on the EU to uphold its commitments to free and open trade and World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, according to the state-run Global Times.

Beijing "hopes the EU will honor its commitment to free and open trade and WTO rules, refrain from introducing protectionist and discriminatory policies and measures," Mao told reporters.

She also urged the bloc to work with China toward more balanced and sustainable bilateral trade while maintaining stable global industrial and supply chains.

Mao said progress at the second regular meeting of the China-EU trade and investment consultation mechanism demonstrated that the two sides could manage their differences through dialogue.

Her remarks followed a Bloomberg report Thursday that the EU was preparing new trade powers that could effectively restrict access to its market as part of efforts to reduce its trade deficit with China.

EU leaders asked the European Commission during a meeting in Brussels on Thursday to develop a proposal by the end of the year, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

The bloc imported $650 billion worth of goods from China in 2025, compared with exports of $232 billion, leaving a merchandise trade deficit of around $418 billion, according to European Commission data.

Brussels has made the imbalance a central concern.