China expressed "strong dissatisfaction and serious concern" over a 550 million euro fine levied by the European Commission against Alibaba Group's (HKG:9988) AliExpress.
The EU imposed the penalty on Monday, accusing the online retailer of violating its Digital Services Act by failing to curb the sale of illegal, unsafe, or counterfeit goods on its platform.
A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce called the fine a "discriminatory" measure aimed at suppressing Chinese e-commerce operations in Europe, according to a Wednesday statement.
The ministry pledged to support Chinese firms in deploying legal and "forceful measures" to defend their interests against such regulatory actions.