China orders entities not to assist EU probe into JD.com

Investing.com -- China directed entities on Wednesday not to implement or assist with a European Union investigation into e-commerce company JD.com, calling the probe improper extraterritorial jurisdiction.

The justice ministry order marks the second time China has used regulations countering unlawful extraterritorial jurisdiction measures. The regulations were introduced in April and expanded Beijing's economic pressure toolkit amid strained ties with trading partners including the EU.

The European Commission opened an investigation in May into JD.com's $2.5 billion bid for German electronics retailer Ceconomy under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation. The probe cited concerns that JD.com might have received foreign subsidies that could distort the bloc's market.

China's justice ministry said in a statement that the EU probe demanded extensive and unnecessary information from within China from a Chinese entity. The ministry called the demand 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 said.

China issued a similar order in May against an EU investigation into Chinese security firm Nuctech.

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