AsianFin — China’s Ministry of Commerce has strongly opposed a reported move by the European Union to restrict Chinese medical device manufacturers from participating in large-scale public procurement projects, calling the proposal discriminatory and a violation of fair competition principles.

According to reports cited on the Ministry’s official website, EU member states have voted under the bloc’s International Procurement Instrument to bar Chinese firms from bidding on public medical device contracts worth over €5 million for the next five years.

A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce condemned the decision, stating that the EU’s unilateral action harms Chinese companies’ legitimate interests and erects new trade barriers under the guise of public procurement reform. “China firmly opposes such protectionist practices,” the spokesperson said.

“At a time when the global economic order is already under severe strain from rising unilateralism and protectionism, responsible major economies like China and the EU should uphold WTO rules, and adhere to the principles of fairness, transparency, and non-discrimination,” the Ministry added.

Beijing urged Brussels to reverse what it described as a “mistaken” decision, warning that China will closely monitor subsequent EU actions and take necessary steps to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.