The EU recently launched a new investigation into ChineseMedical Equipmentprocurement, which is another important action following the investigation into the electric vehicle market. According to the International Procurement Instrument (IPI) passed in June 2022, the EU hopes to promote the opening of foreign procurement markets, especially the Chinese market, through public investigations. This move may further exacerbate the already tense relations between Beijing and European institutions.

China has strongly reacted to this move, criticizing the EUs actions as protectionist behavior and arguing that such practices undermine fair competition. The EU, however, insists that its actions aim to create a level playing field. An EU spokesperson stated in an ANSA report: Our ultimate goal has always been equal conditions. We expect Chinas public procurement market to be as open to us as possible. They also emphasized that the EU aims to achieve this through dialogue and would only consider alternative measures if dialogue fails.

The EUs new investigation into China focuses on medical device procurement, specifically pointing to Article 10 of Chinas Public Procurement Law, the so-called Buy Chinese policy. This policy requires public institutions to prioritize domestically produced goods and services unless there are special circumstances. The EU is concerned that this policy creates unfair competitive barriers for foreign companies by restricting imports and imposing discriminatory treatment on foreign operators in the Chinese market.

In addition, the EU documents state that these measures in Beijing have caused significant systemic disadvantages to EU economic operators, goods, and services. The EU believes that this systematic bias towards purchasing domestic products is not conducive to the competition of imported products and may lead to discrimination against foreign participants.

Behind the launch of this investigation is the EUs long - term attention to the Chinese market, especially in the fields of high - tech and high - value products. The medical device industry, as a key sector, is not only related to public health but also involves huge economic interests. EU companies hope to obtain more opportunities in Chinas vast market, but the current policy settings clearly limit this possibility.

From a broader perspective, this investigation may become a new focus of confrontation between the EU and China in trade and economic policies. In the global economic environment, international trade rules and market access often become pawns in international politics. Tensions between China and the EU in multiple fields may intensify as a result, especially against the backdrop of the current complex and volatile global economy.