China has expressed firm opposition to the European Union's reported plan to introduce a new trade tool, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday, warning that Beijing will take resolute countermeasures if the bloc rolls out such a tool targeting Chinese companies or products.

The response came after media reports that the European Commission is stepping up efforts to propose a new trade tool under the pretext of addressing the so-called "overcapacity" issue in China.

Speaking at a weekly news conference, He Yadong, a spokesman for the ministry, said that against the backdrop of economic globalization, capacity issues should be viewed in an objective, comprehensive and long-term manner, with full respect for economic laws and market principles.

"If a trade surplus is used as the basis for labeling products as evidence of 'overcapacity', should the EU's exports of automobiles, pharmaceuticals, wine and cosmetics also be viewed in the same way?" He said.

The ministry noted that some countries are investigating overcapacity issues in the EU, saying the bloc should avoid applying double standards under such circumstances.

If the bloc uses "overcapacity" as a pretext to introduce a new trade tool targeting China, it would in essence be an attempt to cover up the difficulties facing its own industries while smearing and suppressing fair competition, according to the ministry official.

"Such a move would not only damage China-EU economic and trade relations, but also undermine the stability of global industrial and supply chains," He said, adding that it would eventually backfire on the EU's own industries and that the bloc should bear full responsibility.

The ministry said that China and the EU should work to resolve differences through cooperation, consultation and dialogue.