EU to Restrict China’s Access to Medical Equipment Contracts

The European Union intends to restrict Chinese medical equipment manufacturers from receiving public procurement contracts, according to people familiar with the matter.

The source said, according to the German news agency, that EU countries will vote on the proposed measure on Monday, according to Bloomberg News.

If member states support the move, it would be the EU’s first action under the International Procurement Mechanism, a 2022 law designed to promote reciprocal access to public procurement markets.

Imposing restrictions would open a new front with China as the EU seeks to balance its relationship with Beijing.

A spokesperson for the European Commission, the bloc’s executive arm, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The EU launched an investigation into China’s procurement of medical equipment last April and found in January that Beijing was treating foreign companies discriminatory. Consultations have not reached alternative solutions, Bloomberg News previously reported.