China calls for ‘fair, just’ environment for its companies
BEIJING: China on Monday expressed hope that India will provide a “fair, just and non-discriminatory environment” to its companies as it reacted guardedly to reports of top executives of Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi facing a probe by ED regarding its remittances abroad.
“China is closely following the situation,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a media briefing here, responding to a question on top Xiaomi executives’ allegation of “physical violence and coercion” by ED in its investigations into its remittances.
“We hope India will provide a fair, just, and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies, conduct investigations, and law enforcement in accordance with laws and regulations so as to increase the confidence of global investors,” Zhao said.
He said the Chinese government always asks its companies to abide by laws and regulations while doing business overseas. “But at the same time it firmly supports the Chinese companies in upholding their lawful rights and interests.” Xiaomi is accused of making illegal remittances abroad “in the guise of royalty” payments.
The ED on Saturday rejected as “baseless” the allegations that the statements of Xiaomi India officials, the wholly-owned subsidiary of Chinese mobile manufacturer Xiaomi, were recorded “under coercion”, saying the charges were an afterthought. The ED issued a statement saying it was “a professional agency with strong work ethics and there was no coercion”.
“China is closely following the situation,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a media briefing here, responding to a question on top Xiaomi executives’ allegation of “physical violence and coercion” by ED in its investigations into its remittances.
“We hope India will provide a fair, just, and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies, conduct investigations, and law enforcement in accordance with laws and regulations so as to increase the confidence of global investors,” Zhao said.
He said the Chinese government always asks its companies to abide by laws and regulations while doing business overseas. “But at the same time it firmly supports the Chinese companies in upholding their lawful rights and interests.” Xiaomi is accused of making illegal remittances abroad “in the guise of royalty” payments.
The ED on Saturday rejected as “baseless” the allegations that the statements of Xiaomi India officials, the wholly-owned subsidiary of Chinese mobile manufacturer Xiaomi, were recorded “under coercion”, saying the charges were an afterthought. The ED issued a statement saying it was “a professional agency with strong work ethics and there was no coercion”.
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