EU Supply Chain Plan Eyed Skeptically by China
China criticized the European Union’s push for a new diversification tool aimed at reducing single‑supplier dependence, saying the effort risks sliding into protectionism just days after EU officials indicated they are weighing fresh trade‑defense options.
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At a June 8 press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian rejected the premise of “over‑dependence,” saying China‑EU supply chains are “highly integrated and mutually dependent” and that European companies choose Chinese suppliers based on “cost, technology and efficiency.”
“Isn’t ‘diversification’ in this case just another version of protectionism?” he said, in response to a reporter's question about the EU's strategy.
The remarks follow EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic’s June 5 comments that high‑risk sectors must be “weaned off” single‑supplier reliance and that the European Commission is assessing whether a “dedicated diversification instrument” is needed (see 2606050057).
Lin said the EU’s approach “will not make the European industry more competitive” and urged Brussels to resolve differences through “dialogue and consultation,” adding that China remains open to working with the bloc on trade issues.