EU Climate VP Seeks 'Fair Competition' with China in Green Energy Sector
European Union's vice president for clean transition discusses trade relations with Beijing.
BEIJING: The European Union is seeking "fair competition" with China and not a race to the bottom in wages and environmental standards, according to the bloc's vice president for the clean transition.
This statement comes amid deep frictions over economic relations between the 27-nation EU and Beijing.
Brussels is concerned that a manufacturing glut propelled by massive state subsidies could lead to a trade deficit and flood European markets with cheap Chinese goods, undercutting local firms.
Teresa Ribera, who also serves as the bloc's competition chief, dismissed China's claims of protectionism during her visit to Beijing ahead of an upcoming EU-China summit.
She emphasized that Europe does not aim for low incomes, labor rights or environmental standards, arguing that such a race would undermine the EU's competitive position due to prices not reflecting real costs.
The EU has taken action by imposing import taxes on Chinese electric vehicle imports and investigating Chinese-owned solar panel manufacturers.
Ribera acknowledged these measures could benefit the EU in the short term but warned they may harm long-term investment in renewable energy.
Ribera's visit coincides with China's efforts to improve relations with the European Union as a counterweight to its rival, the United States.
The Trump administration has disrupted global order and pulled out of international climate accords.
Ribera expressed regret over this isolationist approach by a major economy, suggesting it could enhance China's relevance on the world stage.
The EU is also navigating trade negotiations with the US, which have hit a snag.
President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on the EU if no agreement is reached by August 1.
Ribera stated that the EU will "defend the interests of our companies, our society, our business," without compromising on digital competition rules, which she described as a matter of sovereignty.
This statement comes amid deep frictions over economic relations between the 27-nation EU and Beijing.
Brussels is concerned that a manufacturing glut propelled by massive state subsidies could lead to a trade deficit and flood European markets with cheap Chinese goods, undercutting local firms.
Teresa Ribera, who also serves as the bloc's competition chief, dismissed China's claims of protectionism during her visit to Beijing ahead of an upcoming EU-China summit.
She emphasized that Europe does not aim for low incomes, labor rights or environmental standards, arguing that such a race would undermine the EU's competitive position due to prices not reflecting real costs.
The EU has taken action by imposing import taxes on Chinese electric vehicle imports and investigating Chinese-owned solar panel manufacturers.
Ribera acknowledged these measures could benefit the EU in the short term but warned they may harm long-term investment in renewable energy.
Ribera's visit coincides with China's efforts to improve relations with the European Union as a counterweight to its rival, the United States.
The Trump administration has disrupted global order and pulled out of international climate accords.
Ribera expressed regret over this isolationist approach by a major economy, suggesting it could enhance China's relevance on the world stage.
The EU is also navigating trade negotiations with the US, which have hit a snag.
President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on the EU if no agreement is reached by August 1.
Ribera stated that the EU will "defend the interests of our companies, our society, our business," without compromising on digital competition rules, which she described as a matter of sovereignty.
