Beijing: (Web Desk/ Special Correspondent) – Beijing on Wednesday warned that it would protect the rights and interests of Chinese businesses if the European Union proceeds with plans to ban “high-risk” foreign telecom suppliers, a move widely seen as targeting China.
The EU unveiled the proposal on Tuesday as part of efforts to update its cybersecurity regulations and strengthen Europe’s defenses against increasing cyberattacks. While the proposal did not name specific countries or companies, it follows the EU’s increasingly tough stance on trade with China, often citing security concerns.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun described the proposal as protectionist. “We urge the EU to avoid going further down the wrong path of protectionism, otherwise China will inevitably take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises,” Guo said.
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The new EU measures would block companies deemed security risks from participating in European mobile networks, building on 2023 restrictions that excluded Chinese firms Huawei and ZTE. Guo also warned that the plan could impose “huge” economic costs. “It is naked protectionism. Behavior that wantonly interferes in the market and goes against the laws of economics not only fails to achieve so-called security but also incurs huge costs,” he added. The EU said the measures follow insufficient progress under the 2023 restrictions across its 27-member bloc.
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