Full Breakdown
EU Ban on Chinese Inverters Triggers Strong Chinese Response
5/9/2026, 8:55:17 AM
The EU’s High-Risk Inverter Ban
On 23 April 2026 the European Commission announced that EU-funded photovoltaic (PV) projects would lose financial support if they used inverters supplied by “high-risk” countries—China, Russia, Iran and South Korea. The decision follows a Jan 20 proposal for an EU Cybersecurity Act that seeks to phase out equipment from high-risk suppliers in critical infrastructure, a move analysts view as part of a broader EU protectionist strategy.
Official Statements & Responses
China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) issued a statement saying the EU’s designation of China as a high-risk country lacks factual evidence and undermines mutual trust. The ministry warned that the ban could destabilise bilateral trade, supply chains and risk a decoupling of the China-EU market. It urged the EU to stop the “stigmatization” and lift what it called “unfair and discriminatory” measures, adding that it will monitor the impact on Chinese firms and take “necessary measures” to protect their lawful rights.
Criticism & Opposition
Chinese officials argue the EU action is politically motivated rather than technically justified. Professor Hu Qimu warned the policy will raise costs in Europe, slow the green transition and increase uncertainty in China-EU economic ties. An insider cautioned that continued escalation could harm both sides, disrupt global supply chains and weigh on global growth, while noting China’s readiness to respond to trade frictions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Without any factual evidence, the EU has for the first time designated China as a so-called ‘high-risk country’ and, on this pretext, banned financial support for projects using Chinese inverters,” — Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM)
- “The EU’s designation of China as a ‘high-risk country’ will undermine mutual trust between China and the EU, disrupt bilateral economic and trade cooperation, destabilize industrial and supply chains both within the China–EU context and globally, and even carry the risk of decoupling and further supply chain disruption,” — MOFCOM
- “China is neither unfamiliar with nor afraid of trade frictions,” — insider, Global Times
- “the facts have shown that China has brought Europe not 'risks,' but market certainty, technological complementarity, energy stability, and openness to cooperation.” — Hu Qimu, professor
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The sources do not detail the EU’s technical justification for labeling China a high-risk supplier, nor do they disclose any specific Chinese counter-measures beyond monitoring. This lack of concrete evidence limits assessment of the policy’s proportionality.
What’s Next
China has signalled it will “take measures” to protect its firms, while the EU is expected to continue refining its cybersecurity framework. Recent visits by German and Spanish leaders to Beijing suggest parallel diplomatic efforts to manage the tension and preserve cooperation in energy and trade.
