At a July 6 foreign ministry briefing, spokesperson Mao Ning responded to recent
remarks by EU Commission President Von der Leyen urged continued dialogue with
China on trade imbalances and alleging large inflows of Chinese surplus goods.
Mao said recent European heat waves have driven strong demand for Chinese-made
air conditioners, fans and multi-purpose sun umbrellas, with reports of
shortages and products selling out. She said whether goods constitute a surplus
or a shortage is for consumers to judge, and that China‑EU trade is
market‑driven and based on complementary advantages, delivering consumer savings
and supplier profits. Mao urged EU interlocutors to view bilateral economic
relations objectively rather than through a zero‑sum lens.
