In the clearest language on the issue since China’s recent leadership transition, Chong Quan, deputy international trade representative, noted that the Chinese solar sector was “strongly urging the government to take counter-measures” in the event that the EU imposes anti-dumping and countervailing tariffs on Chinese PV kit.

Such a ruling would have a “seriously negative impact” on broader trade relations between the EU and China, Quan claims, flagging up industries such as automobiles, aircraft and agriculture as being key to trade between the two blocs.

“If