China aims to block European investigation into MediaMarkt acquisition

China is instructing its companies and institutions not to cooperate with the European investigation into the Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com. The Ministry of Justice in Beijing calls the investigation into the planned acquisition of MediaMarkt’s parent company, Ceconomy, “ unauthorized.”

Threatening retaliation

In May, the European Commission launched an in-depth investigation into JD.com’s acquisition of the German electronics group Ceconomy. The deal, valued at approximately 2.2 billion euros, is under scrutiny because the EU fears that JD.com has received foreign subsidies that could distort competition in the European market.

China, however, is calling on JD.com and its affiliates not to cooperate with the investigation, which Beijing calls “unauthorized.” In a separate statement, the Chinese Ministry of Justice emphasized that the EU investigation demands “extensive and unnecessary” information from a Chinese entity. Beijing calls this “a serious violation of international law.” The ministry also warned: “If the EU persists in its unilateral actions, China will retaliate forcefully and in accordance with the law.”

Earlier this year, in May, China had already issued a similar order against an EU investigation into the Chinese security firm Nuctech. The escalation underscores the growing tensions between China and the EU regarding market access and legal jurisdiction. While Brussels seeks to protect the market from unfair competition, Beijing views the EU’s actions as a violation of its sovereignty.