BEIJING - China has voiced serious concerns and strong dissatisfaction over the European Commission's decision to launch an in-depth investigation into a Chinese wind power enterprise under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR), the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said on Wednesday.

The remarks came in response to a media query on a recent announcement by the European Commission.

The European Union has frequently used the FSR tool to investigate Chinese companies, and it has announced that its current probe into wind power and security inspection equipment enterprises will be escalated to an in-depth investigation, demonstrating clear targeting and discrimination, a spokesperson for the ministry said.

It emphasized that these investigations overgeneralize the concept of "foreign subsidies", involve issues such as non-transparent procedures and insufficient evidence to initiate cases, and are typical acts of protectionism disguised as "fair competition".

Following its own investigation, China's Ministry of Commerce legally confirmed in January 2025 that the EU's relevant practices constitute trade and investment barriers. "Instead of correcting its wrongdoing, the EU has gone further down the wrong path," the spokesperson said.

The ministry highlighted that Chinese enterprises in green industries like wind power have been providing high-quality green products and making positive contributions to the global climate response, relying on continuous technological innovation, a sound industrial system and full market competition.

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"The EU's abuse of investigative tools not only seriously disrupts mutually beneficial China-EU industrial cooperation and undermines Chinese companies' confidence in investing in Europe, but will also delay the green transition in Europe and around the world," the spokesperson said.

China has always advocated resolving differences through dialogue and consultation, and opposes the politicization or securitization of economic and trade issues, according to the ministry.

"We urge the EU side to immediately correct its erroneous practices, exercise prudence in using the FSR unilateral investigation tool, and create a fair, just, predictable market environment for China-EU cooperation," the spokesperson said, adding that China will closely monitor subsequent developments, and take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.

EU urged to stop using unilateral trade tools

In response to the EU's announcement of the investigation, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry Lin Jian noted that the EU has frequently resorted to unilateral economic and trade tools, imposing discriminatory and restrictive measures on Chinese enterprises. 

Such actions send a protectionist signal, undermine the EU's image, and dampen the confidence of Chinese companies to invest in Europe, he said at a daily news briefing.

"We urge the EU to honor its commitment to market openness and fair competition, stop abusing unilateral trade policy tools, and provide a fair, transparent, and non‑discriminatory business environment for companies around the world," Lin said.

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He added that China will firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.