China’s premier has waded into an intensifying trade dispute with Europe, warning that EU investigations into Chinese-made solar panels and telecommunications equipment would backfire by hurting European consumers.
“The cases over these two types of products will hurt Chinese industries, business and jobs and also damage the vital interests of European users and consumers,” Li Keqiang said en route to Berlin yesterday during his first foreign trip as premier. “We express firm opposition.”
Mr Li’s comments mark the first time that China’s top leadership has weighed in on the trade disputes, and come as the solar case – the EU’s biggest ever trade investigation – enters a critical phase.