China opposes trade protectionism under pretext of “overcapacity”
China opposes trade protectionism carried out under the pretext of so-called “overcapacity” and will take necessary measures if actions by other economies harm its interests, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce said Friday.
The remarks came after the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said senior officials from 15 countries had met and signed a joint ministerial statement on what it called “structural overcapacity and production.”
The spokesperson said China has repeatedly clarified its position on the issue and released a dedicated policy document in July. Capacity-related matters, the spokesperson said, should be viewed comprehensively, objectively and fairly, rather than politicized for economic or competitive reasons.
China argues that using the issue of “overcapacity” to justify protectionist measures could undermine the global economic and trade order, weaken industrial and supply chain stability and create long-term risks for global growth.
The spokesperson stressed that China would take necessary countermeasures if related actions damage Chinese interests.
According to CCTV+, China says it will continue building a modern industrial system through openness and cooperation while calling on all sides to uphold multilateralism, respect market principles and safeguard open global industrial and supply chains.
