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China Threatens EU with Retaliation Over JD.com Takeover Probe
🇩🇪 Germany /Economy & Trade

China Threatens EU with Retaliation Over JD.com Takeover Probe

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Under investigation
  • China has threatened retaliatory measures against the European Union over its investigation into JD.com's planned takeover of Ceconomy.
  • The EU is examining whether JD.com received Chinese subsidies that could distort competition.
  • China's Ministry of Justice accused Brussels of demanding extensive, unnecessary information and banned Chinese entities from assisting the EU's inquiries.

China has issued a threat of countermeasures against the European Union as the bloc investigates the planned acquisition of Ceconomy, the parent company of MediaMarkt and Saturn, by Chinese online retailer JD.com. Beijing stated it would react decisively if the EU persists with its current course of action.

The Chinese Ministry of Justice accused the EU Commission of demanding "extensive and unnecessary information" from China. In response, Beijing has prohibited Chinese organizations and individuals from cooperating with the EU's requests for information related to the investigation. The EU Commission has been scrutinizing the deal since May, focusing on whether JD.com has benefited from Chinese state subsidies that could create an unfair competitive advantage.

Should the EU persist in its approach, Beijing will react decisively.

— Chinese Ministry of JusticeStating China's potential response to the EU's investigation.

JD.com has denied these concerns. The proposed takeover values Ceconomy at approximately 2.2 billion euros. While Germany's Federal Cartel Office has already approved the acquisition, the EU's separate investigation into potential state aid continues. This dispute highlights growing tensions between China and the EU over trade practices and market access, particularly concerning Chinese companies expanding into European markets.

The EU Commission has demanded extensive and unnecessary information from China.

— Chinese Ministry of JusticeAccusing the EU of overreach in its information requests.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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