The U.S. theory of China's "overcapacity" is aimed at hitting Chinese industry, another example of economic coercion and bullying by the United States. This was stated by Lin Jian, spokesman of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Friday.

Lin Jian made the statement while commenting on the issue of "overcapacity" in China, which has been hyped recently by the United States.

Accusations of China's "overcapacity" are nothing new, Lin Jian said at a regular briefing for journalists, recalling that a few years ago the United States accused China of "overcapacity" for exporting large quantities of high-quality and cheap products.

Now, the Chinese diplomat continued, the United States is labeling China's exports of new energy products as "overcapacity." "The United States exports 80 percent of its microchips, especially high-tech microchips, and yet it is a major exporter of pork and agricultural products. Can this be called an example of 'overcapacity' according to American logic?" -- Lin Jian wondered.

In fact, the Chinese diplomat pointed out, the ratio of exports of new-energy vehicles to production is much lower than in Germany, Japan and the Republic of Korea. "We certainly do not have to talk about 'selling surplus production to the world market' here," -- the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman noted.

Lin Jian pointed out that the "overcapacity" issue appears to be purely economic at first glance, but in fact the United States is using it to restrain and pressure Chinese industry, thereby giving the United States itself an unfair advantage in market competition. This is another example of economic coercion and bullying by the United States, the Chinese diplomat stated.

He noted that in today's world, supply and demand are global in nature, and each country's production capacity is determined by its comparative advantage. This should be viewed from an objective, dialectical and rational point of view based on the laws of economics, Lin Jian emphasized.

He said China has taken the lead in new energy sources due to its real potential, scientific and technological innovation and full-scale market competition.

"A sick person does not get well by forcing others to take the medicine," -- Lin Jian reminded, adding that those who use "overcapacity" to justify protectionism gain nothing, but only destabilize global value chains, harm nascent industries, and hinder the international community's common efforts to combat climate change and green transition.

"We call on the United States to abandon hegemonic thinking, adopt an open-minded approach, follow fair competition, practically abide by the principles of market economy and international trade and economic rules, ensure a truly internationalized, market-based and legal environment for trade and economic cooperation, and work together with the international community to promote the development of inclusive economic globalization that benefits all," the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson summarized.