China has been told by Peter Mandelson, the EU trade commissioner, that it must do more to prevent safety scandals and counterfeiting.
At an EU-China seminar in Beijing on Monday Mandelson expressed Europe's concern over China's poor track record on safeguarding intellectual property rights and recent product recalls over safety standards.
Mandelson said: "I urge the Chinese government to ensure a proper balance is restored.
"Europe has so far held back from testing China's practice on intellectual property protection in the WTO - preferring to prioritise dialogue and co-operation instead.
"But the sincerity of our approach, I must say, is being tested and I regret it is hard to see how much longer our patience can last if treatment is not improved."
'Tidal wave'
Mandelson went on to say that "China will never properly tackle the issue of product safety, without addressing the tidal wave of counterfeit goods.
"China's long-term success depends on its reputation."
Wu Yi, the Chinese vice premier, said: "I am very disappointed with Peter Mandelson's speech."
Chinese manufacturing has been under severe pressure recently after recalls of toys, toothpaste and fish.
Wu is responsible for product safety and said earlier that the government had stepped up its attempts to guarantee product quality and food safety, in a nationwide campaign.
Wu said that 99 per cent of China's exported goods are safe, and asked for co-operation.
"I sincerely hope that developed nations can offer more to developing countries to enhance their standardisation level, improve their food production technology and raise food safety," Wu said.