Investigation into wind power giant Goldwind: China accuses the EU of "discriminatory" measures

The European Commission announced on Tuesday that it was opening an in-depth investigation into the company, which is suspected of unfair competition.

"The European Union (EU) frequently resorts to unilateral trade and economic instruments, taking discriminatory and restrictive measures against Chinese companies," said Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"These are protectionist signals, which damage the image of the EU and undermine the confidence of Chinese companies wishing to invest in Europe," he said during a regular press briefing.

He called on the EU to "honour its commitments to open markets and to respect the principle of fair competition".

The European Commission indicated in a statement on Tuesday that it feared the significant subsidies granted, according to it, by Beijing to Goldwind "harm competition" in the wind energy sector.

For its part, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce expressed its "strong dissatisfaction" on Wednesday evening with a European investigation which it denounces for its "lack of evidence" and "opaque procedure".

"We urge the European side to immediately rectify its erroneous practices," he said in a statement, believing that this move by the EU would "hinder the green transition, both in Europe and globally."

"The Chinese side will closely monitor developments in the case and take the necessary measures to resolutely defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies," the ministry stressed.

China, a major player in the wind energy sector since the late 2000s, has established itself in recent years as the world's leading player.

Many Western countries are alarmed by the influx of cheap Chinese exports destabilizing local manufacturers, such as Vestas in Denmark or GE Vernova in the United States.

The EU had already announced it would open a first investigation into the matter in April 2024.