The Chinese Mission to the European Union (EU) held a press briefing on Tuesday to present its comments on the EU's draft revision of the Cybersecurity Act and the proposed Industrial Accelerator Act, expressing "serious concern" over the potential impact of the legislation on bilateral economic ties and global supply chains.

Suo Peng, Minister for Trade and Economy at the Chinese Mission to the EU, outlined Beijing's position during the briefing, which was chaired by Minister-Counselor Chen Su. The event was attended by major European media outlets as well as Chinese media based in Europe.

According to Suo, the draft revision of the Cybersecurity Act introduces what he described as "highly subjective and arbitrary" criteria related to so-called "non-technical risks". He argued that such provisions reflect a broader trend of politicizing economic and trade issues and overstretching the concept of security.

Suo also said that the draft imposes restrictive requirements on foreign investment and introduces exclusionary clauses in public procurement and support policies, which he characterized as investment barriers and institutional discrimination. He warned that the measures could violate World Trade Organization rules and inflict "substantial harm" on China–EU economic and trade relations.

"These initiatives risk undermining the deeply integrated and interdependent global industrial landscape," Suo said. "They promote localization and bloc-based restructuring of supply chains, which could distort competition and disrupt the global market."

Suo added that while the proposals appear to target 18 key sectors — including information and communications technology (ICT) — their impact would extend far beyond those industries in an era of accelerating digital transformation. "We are living in a world where everything is interconnected," he said. "Such legislation could affect a wide range of sectors and ultimately push the EU toward self-isolation."

He further warned that the measures could destabilize global industrial and supply chains, forcing companies to abandon optimal market configurations in favor of costlier alternatives, thereby increasing research, development, and operational expenses.

Suo also noted that concerns about the draft legislation have emerged within the EU itself, with some member states wary of what they see as excessive barriers erected in the name of security, and businesses worried about potential economic losses.

If implemented, these acts could disrupt the highly integrated global division of labor and compel companies to shift to less efficient suppliers, increasing costs and reducing overall efficiency, he pointed out.

Chen emphasized the broader importance of China–EU relations, describing them as strategically significant with global implications. He called on the EU to work with China in a spirit of partnership to achieve mutual benefits and contribute to global stability and development.

Suo also stressed that China remains open to maintaining constructive dialogue and consultations with the EU and will closely monitor the legislative process. However, he warned that if the EU proceeds with the legislation and adopts discriminatory measures against Chinese enterprises, China would "have no choice but to take countermeasures".

zhangzhouxiang@chinadaily.com.cn