started · updated
China blocks EU probe into JD.com acquisition of Ceconomy
China has escalated tensions with the European Union by ordering domestic entities to refuse cooperation with a Brussels-led investigation into JD.com. The probe, initiated under the EU's Foreign Subsidies Regulation, examines whether the Chinese e-commerce giant received state subsidies that could distort the European market during its €2.2 billion bid to acquire the German electronics retailer Ceconomy, the parent company of MediaMarkt and Saturn.
China’s Ministry of Justice has condemned the investigation as an exercise of “improper extraterritorial jurisdiction” and a “serious violation of international law,” specifically citing the EU's demand for extensive information from within China. Beijing has warned that it will “resolutely retaliate” if the EU continues its unilateral actions.
In response to the regulatory scrutiny, JD.com has offered concessions to the European Commission to address concerns regarding market competition, though the specific details of these offers remain undisclosed. While the German Bundeskartellamt has already approved the acquisition, the final decision from the EU Commission is expected by early October 2026.
Entities
Ceconomy · China · China Ministry of Justice · European Commission · European Union · JD.com · MediaMarkt
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] JD.com's bid for Ceconomy is valued at approximately 2.2 billion euros. www.zeit.de · www.volksfreund.de · wochentlich.de
- [● 5 SOURCES] JD.com has rejected the allegations regarding unfair subsidies. www.zeit.de · www.volksfreund.de · www.businesstimes.com.sg · wochentlich.de · www.cash.ch
- [● 4 SOURCES] China will retaliate if the EU persists in its unilateral actions. www.businesstimes.com.sg · www.zeit.de · sapo.pt · www.brasil247.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The EU investigation into JD.com constitutes improper extraterritorial jurisdiction. www.businesstimes.com.sg · sapo.pt · www.brasil247.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The EU's demand for information from Chinese entities is a serious violation of international law. www.businesstimes.com.sg · sapo.pt · www.brasil247.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The German Bundeskartellamt has already approved the acquisition of Ceconomy by JD.com. www.zeit.de · www.volksfreund.de · wochentlich.de
- [● 7 SOURCES] The EU is investigating whether JD.com received foreign subsidies for its acquisition of Ceconomy. www.businesstimes.com.sg · www.zeit.de · www.volksfreund.de · wochentlich.de · www.cash.ch · +2 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] China has ordered domestic entities not to assist or implement the EU's investigation. www.businesstimes.com.sg · www.zeit.de · www.volksfreund.de · www.brasil247.com