China 'firmly opposes' move on contracts

EU to stop Chinese firms from public procurement tenders in key sector

The European Union's latest move to exclude Chinese companies from bidding on public procurement contracts in the medical devices sector has raised concerns over rising protectionism within the bloc and the potential for escalating trade tensions with China, market watchers said on Wednesday.

Their comments came after EU member states decided to block Chinese companies from participating in public procurement tenders in the medical devices sector for deals valued at over 5 million euros ($5.7 million) under the bloc's International Procurement Instrument (IPI).

The plan, which according to reports was approved on Monday, would prohibit Chinese firms from bidding on such contracts for a five-year period.