On July 28 MOFCOM research office director said China-EU trade has developed
broadly well, but recent EU trade restrictions and focus on the renminbi
exchange rate lack factual basis and undermine bilateral stability. China
reaffirmed that market forces determine the exchange rate and that it will keep
the renminbi broadly stable at a reasonable, balanced level. As a responsible
major economy, China will not seek competitive advantage through currency
depreciation; Chinese manufacturing is internationally competitive and does not
require an undervalued currency to support exports. China also positioned itself
as a partner for resolving trade frictions and warned that protectionism would
be counterproductive.