China has imposed restrictions on procurement of European medical devices, following the European Union’s vote to limit Chinese companies from participating in public procurement tenders for medical device contracts last month, Yahoo Finance and the Medical Device Network report.
On June 19, 2025, after the European Union’s vote in early June, the European Commission decided to “exclude Chinese companies from EU government purchases of medical devices exceeding €5 million” (about $5.83 million).
The Yahoo Finance and Medical Device Network story summarizes China’s new restrictions, in response:
According to the story, a spokesperson for the Chinese commerce ministry stated that “China has no choice but to take reciprocal restrictive measures to safeguard the legitimate interests of Chinese enterprises and maintain a fair competition environment.” Notably, China’s restrictions do not apply to products made in China.
The story maintains that China’s new policy reflects “the latest breakdown in life sciences relations with Europe, which have left the medtech industry reeling.” Meanwhile, Bloomberg reports that China’s new policy adds “uncertainty to ties” ahead of the EU-China summit on July 24. According to Politico, the summit marks 50 years of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union. While the summit was originally marked to be two days, the second day was reportedly canceled and Chinese President Xi Jinping is not expected to attend.
Bloomberg indicated it is unclear whether China’s new policy is part of “a symbolic warning shot or an escalation.” According to Bloomberg, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters that “It is time for China and the EU to strengthen strategic corporation.” When the European Commission announced its restrictions, it asserted that it “remains committed to dialogue.”
