China vows support for AliExpress after EU fines it

China has pledged to support domestic companies in defending their rights after the European Commission imposed a €550 million fine on AliExpress.

In a statement, China's Ministry of Commerce said Beijing would "firmly support Chinese enterprises in using legal tools to protect their rights" and would take effective measures to safeguard their interests, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

The ministry expressed "strong dissatisfaction and serious concern" over the European Commission's decision, accusing the EU of creating digital barriers under the guise of regulating online platforms and adopting discriminatory measures against Chinese e-commerce companies.

It also urged the European Union to stop abusing what it described as vague legal provisions and to ensure fair and impartial treatment of Chinese businesses.

The European Commission announced the €550 million fine against AliExpress on July 20 under the EU's Digital Services Act.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov