The investigation investigates whether the series of actions of (EU) against the world’s second strongest economy is an illegal obstacle to free trade, as both sides are approaching another step towards a trade war, according to a Bloomberg report. The Trade Ministry said China’s investigation would cover a number of sectors, including railways, solar and wind energy and security equipment, in today’s communication (10.7.2024). These are areas which the EU has targeted in recent months with a series of new tools, which, as stated, have been designed to defend itself against the unfair practices of Beijing. If Beijing considers that an EU measure is illegal, Chinese officials could hold bilateral talks, start a multilateral dispute resolution process and take “other appropriate measures”, in accordance with the rules of the investigation. In a separate document, the ministry said the steps could include a recommendation to establish “respondence measures”. A representative of the European Commission did not respond immediately to a request for comment.