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Chinese premier slams ‘harmful’ EU fine
May 24, 2013, 1:09 pm

[Xinhua]

Analysts suggest that China might increase domestic solar panel installations to help the industry hedge against the slumps in exports to Europe [Xinhua]

Visiting Chinese premier Li Keqiang on Friday criticised the European Union’s trade measures against China-made mobile telecommunications equipment and solar panels.

The measures “harm others without benefiting oneself,” Li said in a speech delivered in Switzerland at a luncheon with business and financial leaders.

Major Chinese solar panel makers on Thursday protested over punitive tariffs the European Union plans to levy on Chinese-made photovoltaic (PV) products.

According to a research report by German consulting firm Prognos, the punitive duties could lead to job losses of more than 200,000 in Europe over three years.

Meng Xiangan, deputy director of China Renewable Energy Society, criticised the EU’s move as trade protectionism and believed that China might take retaliatory measures.

China might increase domestic solar panel installations to help the industry hedge against the slumps in exports to Europe, analysts say.

Earlier on Friday, the Chinese premier announced the conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement between china and Switzerland.

Source: Agencies