Beijing has urged the European Union to view its trade ties with China in a comprehensive and objective manner and honor its commitment to free trade.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning made the remarks on Thursday after the EU's industry chief told the Financial Times that the bloc will expand the tools at its disposal to "defend its economy against imbalanced trade with China".
China is closely following the EU's moves and will take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, Mao told a regular news conference.
International trade is a two-way choice, with no one forced to buy or sell, she stressed, adding that China-EU trade relations are mutually beneficial in essence.
China never deliberately seeks a trade surplus with the EU, she said.
