Premier Li reiterates opposition to EU trade measures against Chinese products

（Xinhua）  13:20, May 27, 2013  

BERLIN, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Sunday slammed the European Union (EU) for pursuing anti-dumping cases against Chinese solar panels and mobile telecommunication equipment.

At a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Li said China firmly opposes the EU's plans to probe Chinese-made wireless telecom devices and impose punitive duties on Chinese-made solar panels.

"The moves send to the world a signal of trade protectionism," Li said. "They would not only hurt Chinese business and jobs, but also damage the interests of European industries, business and consumers."

"They harm others without benefiting themselves," Li said.

The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, backed a proposal this month to impose punitive tariffs averaging 47 percent on Chinese imports of solar panels to prevent alleged "dumping" in the European market. Also this month, it proposed opening anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations into mobile telecom equipment imported from China.

Li said China hopes to jointly uphold the principle of opposing trade protectionism with the EU, work with Brussels to find a solution to trade disputes through dialogue and consultation, and send to the world a signal of not abusing trade remedies and not creating a "lose-lose" situation.

Germany, the premier noted, is the only EU country included in his ongoing four-nation tour, showing that China-Germany relations are of great importance.

The sound and stable development of China-Germany ties carries enormous significance not only for themselves, but also for China-Europe ties and the world at large, Li said.

He said his visit is aimed at pushing the bilateral relations onto a fast development track so as to inject fresh impetus into the two-way comprehensive cooperation.

Li said his talks with Merkel are very fruitful, and the two sides have charted course for future bilateral cooperation and reached an important consensus on deepening the strategic partnership between the two nations.