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The European Union Thursday launched a World Commerce Group case in opposition to China over what it calls “discriminatory commerce practices” in opposition to Lithuania.
The transfer comes after Beijing blocked most commerce with Lithuania after the Baltic state deepened ties with Taiwan.
“Launching a WTO case will not be a step we take frivolously. Nevertheless, after repeated failed makes an attempt to resolve the problem bilaterally, we see no different manner ahead than to request WTO dispute settlement consultations with China,” European Commerce Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis stated in an announcement. “The EU is decided to behave as one and act quick in opposition to measures in breach of WTO guidelines, which threaten the integrity of our Single Market. We’re in parallel pursuing our diplomatic efforts to deescalate the scenario.”
Beijing has imposed an import ban, an export ban and restriction of companies in opposition to Lithuania, in line with a letter despatched by EU Ambassador to the WTO João Aguiar Machado to his Chinese language counterpart, Li Chenggang. The letter added: “These measures predominantly concern items or companies from or destined for Lithuania or linked in numerous methods to Lithuania, but in addition affect provide chains all through the EU.”
China has been warning the EU to not take over what it sees as a bilateral dispute with Lithuania. Thursday’s motion by the EU will doubtless be seen by Beijing as an escalation.
The Chinese language authorities has denied involvement in what it says is pure enterprise preferences in opposition to Lithuanian provides. The EU disagrees, saying the measures “are attributable to China” presumably “in live performance with the federal government,” in line with the letter.
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