Wu said the commission's action has tarnished its image as an advocate of free trade, fuelled the rise of protectionism and run counter to the commitment by the leaders of the Group of 20 leading industrialized and developing economies not to introduce protectionist measures.

"About 40 percent of what countries export is made up of imported inputs. So protectionism does not protect," Wu pointed out in the article, citing recent remarks of Pascal Lamy, director-general of the World Trade Organization.

Wu also said that a large proportion of trade between China and the EU is within the same value chain. Restricting Chinese exports to Europe will hurt both EU consumers and industries.

"In fact, many European entrepreneurs and experts have spoken out against the EU's moves to stir up trade frictions," Wu said.

He noted that recently, more than 1,500 companies that import and install photovoltaic products have written to Karel De Gucht, EU's trade commissioner, opposing the protection of a small number of producers at the expense of the vast majority of businesses and consumers.

Some European studies have warned that restricting Chinese photovoltaic products will lead to job losses running into the tens of thousands and could even trigger a trade war, he added.

Wu also stressed that creating an open trade environment and sending a positive signal would be much more beneficial in boosting the confidence for cooperation and facilitating the EU's economic recovery at a time when the EU economy is still in the doldrums.