China ready for closer trade cooperation with EU

China is willing to work with the European Union to further expand bilateral market access, strengthen dialogue on government procurement and export controls, and deepen collaboration along industrial and supply chains, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

"We hope the European side will approach bilateral economic and trade relations with a detached perspective, free from emotions and prejudice," He Yongqian, a spokeswoman for the ministry, said during a news conference.

Beijing and Brussels should "reduce accusations and increase communication, lessen protectionism and expand openness, minimize anxieties and maximize actions," He said, stressing that it is essential to prioritize consultation on all matters and refrain from "affixing labels".