China Accuses EU of Data Manipulation in Trade Dispute

China has criticized the European Union for allegedly manipulating trade data as a justification for claims of an imbalanced trade relationship. This development follows reports that the EU plans to expand import quotas and tariffs on Chinese goods.

According to Mao Ning, a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry, the EU's focus on trade in goods, while neglecting services and investment income, leads to a skewed perception of a trade imbalance with China. Mao further argued that measures such as de-risking and reducing dependence are forms of protectionism and warned of China's readiness to protect its interests.

The EU, spearheaded by industry chief Stephane Sejourne, aims to systematically employ import quotas and tariffs to defend vulnerable sectors like chemicals, metals, and clean technology from what it describes as unfair Chinese competition. Major European nations are advocating for stronger trade defense to address the bloc's growing trade deficit with China, which rose by 2.7% in 2025.

(With inputs from agencies.)