China has warned the European Union of a "resolute response" if it proceeds with restrictions targeting Chinese companies or products, criticizing the bloc’s consideration of trade tools modeled on the United States’ Section 301 provision. The warning comes as China and the EU conduct trade talks over the summer, with Europe seeking to reduce its record trade deficit with China by October. The China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products issued a September 30 statement after reports that France and Germany were preparing a joint paper urging the European Commission to strengthen its trade and economic-security toolkit. Rhodium Group’s Noah Barkin said Europe was considering measures to exclude China from the bloc.