China examining if EU is putting up trade barriers as tensions intensify
CNNJUN 2024
EU Bans Chinese Medical Device Firms From Major Contracts
Above: A radiologist at Shaoxing Central Hospital uses an AI image analysis system to perform rapid and accurate diagnoses in Shaoxing, China, on Feb. 25, 2025. Image copyright: Costfoto/NurPhoto/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Europe narrative
China systematically blocks European medical device companies from fair competition in government contracts while flooding EU markets with subsidized products. The "Buy China" policy creates impossible barriers through opaque approval processes and discriminatory certification practices. These reciprocal measures simply restore balance to a relationship where China takes advantage of EU openness while denying equal access.
Pro-China narrative
The EU abandons its principles of free trade by imposing protectionist barriers that harm global supply chains and patient access to affordable medical devices. European officials use fabricated discrimination claims to justify trade restrictions that violate World Trade Organization principles of fairness and transparency. This unilateral action undermines cooperative dialogue and sets dangerous precedents for international commerce.