Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Friday that China-EU economic and trade relations are mutually beneficial and win-win in nature, and that China has never deliberately pursued a trade surplus.

Mao made the remarks in response to a Bloomberg question about an EU trade representative raising with China the need to address what the EU called an "unsustainable" trade balance.

For specific issues, Mao said the question should be referred to the competent authorities.

China has noted relevant remarks from the European side and is closely following the EU's moves, she said.

China is willing to maintain dialogue and communication with the EU, she said, expressing hope that the EU will abide by the basic principles of a market economy, including free trade, fair competition and open cooperation.

Mao also urged the EU to avoid protectionist measures and handle differences and each other's concerns through dialogue and consultation.