Beijing’s envoy to the EU has warned the bloc against pursuing policies to curb Chinese companies’ access to Europe, saying it would damage its own interests and deter investment.
Zhang Ming said plans to clamp down on foreign corporate ownership, trade opportunities and 5G mobile communications technology threatened to trigger a backlash from “suspicious” Chinese entrepreneurs.
The ambassador, a veteran diplomat and previously a senior foreign ministry official in Beijing, said EU countries needed to promote international co-operation and free markets. “Otherwise, it’s disastrous for them,” he warned in an interview. “What I hope to see is that the EU will keep to the principles of multilateralism and free trade, as well as the principles of openness, fairness, justice and non-discrimination.”