China Says EU Probe into JD.com's Ceconomy Purchase Constitutes 'Improper Extraterritorial Jurisdiction'

10:20 AM EDT, 08/19/2026 (MT Newswires) -- China's Ministry of Justice criticized the European Commission's merger inquiry into JD.com's planned takeover of German consumer electronics retailer Ceconomy (CEC.F), saying the action constitutes "improper extraterritorial jurisdiction." State broadcaster China Central Television reported Wednesday, citing the justice ministry, that Beijing considers the investigation a serious undermining of the international rule of law. Chinese authorities also asked the commission to refrain from using the foreign subsidy investigation tool, adding that it will resort to countermeasures if the probe is pursued. In May, the EU regulator said it would look into JD.com unit Jingdong Holding Germany's acquisition of Ceconomy, following indications that the e-commerce platform may have received state subsidies that improved its competitive position and potentially harmed the internal market. JD.com did not immediately respond to a request for comment from MT Newswires.