On 29 September 2026, a MOFCOM spokesperson answered a media question about reports that some EU member states are preparing a joint document calling on the European Commission to accelerate development of a so-called European “301” tool and take tougher measures against China. MOFCOM said it had noted the reports and described the referenced tool as a typical protectionist and unilateral measure that would not solve problems, could backfire on the EU itself, and would disrupt China–EU trade as well as the stability of global industrial and supply chains.
MOFCOM stressed that the EU has itself been a victim of similar tools and, as an important WTO member that presents itself as a defender of multilateralism, would seriously undermine the rules-based multilateral trading system if it led in violating WTO rules. China and the EU are currently in dialogue under their trade and investment consultation mechanism to address each other’s concerns. If the EU talks while simultaneously escalating pressure on China, MOFCOM said, that would seriously damage mutual trust, disrupt the overall consultation process, and affect broader China–EU economic and trade cooperation.
Beijing urged the EU to stay on the track of managing differences through dialogue. MOFCOM said China will closely follow subsequent EU moves and, if the EU insists on introducing discriminatory restrictive measures targeting Chinese companies or products, will respond firmly to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese industries. For importers and sourcing managers, the practical signal is rising EU–China trade-tool risk into October—not an immediate duty change.