"" China has directed entities to refrain from assisting or implementing a European Union investigation into JD.com's $2.5 billion bid for German retailer Ceconomy, citing improper extraterritorial jurisdiction.
The move marks the second time China has used regulations countering unlawful extraterritorial jurisdiction measures. Introduced in April, these regulations expanded Beijing's economic pressure toolkit amid strained ties with trading partners, including the EU.
The European Commission launched an investigation in May into JD.com's bid for Ceconomy under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation, citing concerns that JD.com might have received foreign subsidies that could distort the bloc's market.
According to China's justice ministry, the EU probe demanded extensive and unnecessary information from within China from a Chinese entity, a serious violation of the international rule of law.
If the EU persists in its unilateral actions, China will resolutely retaliate in accordance with the law, the ministry stated.
This follows a similar order issued in May against an EU investigation into Chinese security firm Nuctech.
The move highlights the escalating tensions between China and the EU over issues of extraterritorial jurisdiction and economic regulation.
