The Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament welcome the EU’s decision to launch a World Trade Organisation (WTO) case against China for discriminatory trade practices against Lithuania.

S&D MEP Inmaculada Rodríguez-Piñero, responsible for trade relations with China, said:

“I am glad the Commission flexes its muscles and takes a clear stance against the bullying of Lithuania and other countries by China.  The discriminatory measures impact on the EU as a whole. That the EU is acting as one sends a strong signal of unity.

“This breach of WTO rules by China again demonstrates the need to urgently reform the Appellate Body of the WTO. Without a binding and independent court, trade disputes could quickly lapse into wars, and trade relations reverting to the law of the jungle.”

S&D MEP Bernd Lange, chair of the EP’s committee on international trade and rapporteur of the anti-coercion instrument, said:

“The Chinese measures are an attack on the EU’s internal market and on global supply chains. This is why the EU’s decision to take the matter to the WTO is the right step. Yet, this episode also underlines that the EU must further strengthen its defences against such a weaponisation of trade. First and foremost by passing adequate laws. As rapporteur for the anti-coercion instrument, I want to ensure that in the future we will be able to respond faster and more decisively to such actions.”