On the afternoon of December 18, the Ministry of Commerce held a regular press conference. When asked about recent investigations launched by the European Commission under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR) targeting multiple Chinese enterprises, including Nuctech, spokesperson He Yadong responded.
He Yadong stated that China has noted the European Commission's frequent initiation of FSR investigations against Chinese companies, including in-depth probes into CRRC Group and Nuctech, as well as unannounced inspections of Chinese digital platforms. He criticized these actions as severe, discriminatory, and strongly opposed by China.
The spokesperson emphasized that FSR investigations have significantly disrupted Chinese companies' operations and investments in Europe. In January 2025, the Ministry of Commerce determined that the European Commission's FSR investigations constituted trade and investment barriers, citing issues such as insufficient evidence, excessive enforcement, reversed burden of proof, and lack of transparency.
He Yadong further noted that these problems have worsened rather than improved. The overly broad and ambiguous definition of "foreign subsidies" exceeds reasonable international norms, creating uncertainty for Chinese businesses in Europe and negatively impacting China-EU economic cooperation.
"We urge the EU to immediately halt its unreasonable suppression of foreign-invested enterprises, including Chinese companies, and to use the FSR tool prudently to foster a fair, just, and predictable business environment," He Yadong said. "China will closely monitor the EU's actions and take necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises."
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