BEIJING -- China calls on the European Union (EU) to provide a fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies seeking to invest and operate in Europe, a spokesman for the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

China hopes the EU will keep its market open, take the concerns of Chinese companies seriously, and exercise restraint in the implementation of restrictive trade measures, said commerce ministry spokesman He Yadong at a regular press conference.

He stressed that China will continue to expand high-level opening-up, improve its business environment, fully ensure national treatment for foreign investors, and strengthen intellectual property protection, in order to provide sound services for foreign companies.

China welcomes more European enterprises to invest in China, further explore the Chinese market and share its development opportunities, the spokesman added.