The punitive tariffs imposed by the European Union on China-made solar products reflect the bloc's inherent defects and puts in doubt its intention to embrace sustainable development.

Judging from the chaotic situation in the EU, it is hard to fathom the intention of its anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations into Chinese solar panels. Is it to provide its low-efficient solar industry with the umbrella of trade protectionism? Or, is it meant to pressure China into making concessions on other fronts?

Some people speculate that the action is meant to force China into lowering tariffs on the luxury goods and agricultural products it imports from the EU. But such speculation doesn't make much sense.