Recent reports indicate that a French institution has proposed to the European Union the imposition of a blanket tariff of approximately 30% on Chinese goods. This proposal, which specifically targets Chinese products, is a clear violation of World Trade Organization rules and amounts to a declaration of a trade war against China.

According to informed sources, if France persists in pushing for the implementation of this proposal, China has at least three potential courses of action. First, China could consider launching anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations into wine imports from the European Union, particularly from France. China is a major export market for EU wine, with exports to China reaching nearly $700 million in 2024, nearly half of which originated from France.

Second, if France refuses to reconsider its position, China could respond to recent unfriendly measures taken by France and the EU by initiating anti-discrimination investigations. Furthermore, should the EU unilaterally impose additional tariffs on Chinese goods, China is prepared to take firm countermeasures, including directly applying reciprocal tariffs on relevant EU products. While China remains open to dialogue, it is fully prepared to address any and all challenges that may arise.