China's Ministry of Commerce today protested the 'recent wave of investigations' opened by European authorities against companies such as Nuctech or CRRC, as well as 'surprise inspections' of digital platforms like Temu, initiatives against subsidies that undermine fair competition. 'These actions are atrocious, and clearly selective and discriminatory,' denounced ministry spokesman He Yadong at a press conference, expressing China's 'firm opposition.' 'China hopes that the European Union (EU) will immediately cease its irrational repression of foreign-invested companies, including Chinese ones, and use its regulations on foreign subsidies prudently to create a fair and predictable business environment for companies investing and operating in Europe,' the spokesman added. He stated that Beijing is 'closely following' the actions of European authorities and 'will take necessary measures to resolutely protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.' The Commerce Ministry's complaint comes after the European Commission (EC) opened an in-depth investigation last week into the Chinese company Nuctech over suspicions that this state-controlled security systems manufacturer received public subsidies that could distort competition in the European market. The body believes Nuctech received state support in the form of guarantees, preferential tax treatment, or preferential financing in the form of loans, and it is thought these foreign subsidies may have improved its position in the domestic market—giving it an edge in tenders—and thus affected competition. Additionally, last week, the Commission also carried out a surprise inspection at the European headquarters of the Chinese e-commerce platform Temu in Dublin, shortly before EU countries agreed to impose a three-euro fee on packages under 150 euros from the Asian country via such digital sellers, starting in July 2026. During his appearance, He also alluded to the investigations opened by the EC in November against the state-owned rolling stock manufacturer CRRC, accused of outperforming its rivals in a tender in Portugal thanks to government aid. Photo EFE
