The European Union has stepped up its action against China by opening an investigation into wind turbine manufacturers subsidized by Beijing. The aim of this initiative is to counter unfair practices affecting the European market for clean technologies, particularly wind turbines, by specifically studying the development of wind farms in several European countries. In response, Mao Ning, spokesman for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said: “I think the outside world is worried about the European Union’s growing protectionist tendencies”. She added that “China is very concerned about discriminatory measures taken by Europeans against Chinese companies and even industries.”
Background to trade tensions
The EU has extended its investigation beyond the automotive, rail and solar panel sectors to include wind turbines. “Today, we are launching a new investigation into Chinese wind turbine suppliers,” announced European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager. “We are studying the conditions for developing wind farms in Spain, Greece, France, Romania and Bulgaria,” she added.
Economic arguments and reactions
According to Margrethe Vestager, Beijing exports “at low prices” to the rest of the world to offset its own economic slowdown. “The result is that today, less than 3% of solar panels installed in the EU are produced in Europe,” she pointed out, indicating a Chinese strategy also extended to semiconductors and other clean technologies.
Yellen’s visit and comments
The European Commissioner’s remarks followed a visit to China by US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who also expressed concerns. “Washington ‘will not accept’ the flood of Chinese products sold at a loss on the world market, as has happened in the past,” she warned, echoing European concerns.
China’s response and impact on relations
On Wednesday, Mao Ning denounced European “protectionism”. “Protectionism cannot solve the EU’s own problems, it protects backward development (…) and causes multilateral losses,” she said. “We urge the European side to respect WTO rules and market principles, and China will firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises,” the spokeswoman concluded.
The European Union and China continue to navigate a tense business climate, with significant implications for global trade and competition policy. The current investigations could redefine commercial relations and industrial strategy in clean technologies.
