China responds to what French president Emmanuel Macron said is ‘problem’ with Chinese products; says: China has never …
Upset with America, French President Emmanuel Macron sent a ‘welcome note’ to China from the stage of World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026. During his address at Davos, Switzerland, Macron said, “China is welcome, but what we need is more Chinese foreign direct investments in Europe, in some key sectors, to contribute to our growth, to transfer some technologies, and not just to export towards Europe, some devices or products which sometimes don’t have the same standards, or are much more subsidized, than the ones being produced in Europe.” In the speech, Macron also claimed that in the competition from China, where massive excess capacities and distortive practices threaten to overwhelm entire industrial and commercial sectors. “And the answer, in order to fix this issue, is more cooperation. And building new approaches,” he said. Macron’s address reflects the European Union‘s attempt to rebalance economic ties with China amid a slew of challenges, including rising tension with the US amid Donald Trump’s open threat to Greenland. In his speech, Macron sharply criticized the US on tariffs. “Competition from the United States of America through trade agreements that undermine our export interests, demand maximum concessions and openly aim to weaken and subordinate Europe, combined with an endless accumulation of new tariffs that are fundamentally unacceptable – even more so when they are used as leverage against territorial sovereignty,” he said.
China to French president Emmanuel Macron: Not only willing to serve as the world’s factory
Responding to the French president Emmanuel Macron’s speech, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that the essence of China-EU economic and trade relations lies in complementary advantages and mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. Guo added that the competitive edge of Chinese products does not stem from subsidies, but is the result of massive investment in research and development, full market competition, and a complete industrial chain working together. China has never deliberately pursued trade surpluses, and it is not only willing to serve as the world’s factory but also as the world’s market. He also expressed hope that the European side will adopt a long-term perspective and an open mindset, meet China halfway, and promote the sustained and healthy development of China-EU economic and trade relations. Talking of FDI Chinese FDI in Europe in particular, Guo said that the Chinese government has consistently encouraged and supported Chinese companies that are capable and willing to invest and operate in Europe in accordance with market-oriented principles. At the same time, Chinese minister said that they too expect similar reception for their companies. “We hope the European side will provide a fair, nondiscriminatory, transparent and predictable market environment for Chinese businesses,” Guo said.
