China Bans Cooperation With EU Probe Into JD.com Takeover

The Government of China has barred all domestic organizations and individuals from complying with or assisting a European Commission investigation into e-commerce giant JD.com. Effective August 20, 2026, the directive from the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Commerce characterizes the probe as an improper exercise of extraterritorial jurisdiction that violates international law.

The dispute centers on JD.com's proposed $2.5 billion acquisition of German electronics retailer Ceconomy. The European Commission launched the probe in May under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation, alleging that JD.com received preferential financing and government subsidies that could distort competition in the EU market. While Germany's Federal Cartel Office approved the deal in September 2025, the European Commission is expected to issue a final decision by October 2, 2026.

Beijing alleges the EU arbitrarily demanded extensive and unrelated information from Chinese banking institutions. This marks the second time China has invoked such measures following a similar clash over an EU probe into the security company Nuctech in May. While JD.com has offered remedies to resolve the investigation, the Ministry of Justice warned that China will take countermeasures if the EU persists in its approach. The Ministry of Commerce has urged the EU to correct its practices and engage in government-to-government dialogue.