China's Ministry of Commerce has voiced strong dissatisfaction with the European Union after the European Commission imposed a €550 million penalty on AliExpress under the Digital Services Act. The ministry rejected the EU's approach, accusing Brussels of erecting digital barriers under the guise of platform regulation and urging it to stop abusing its discretionary power.
Beijing pledged to support Chinese companies in defending their rights through legal channels. Chinese officials said they firmly oppose the creation of digital trade barriers and expressed serious concern over the penalty, which targets the sale of counterfeit clothing, unsafe toys, and dangerous cosmetics on the platform.
The fine, the largest issued under the DSA since it took effect in 2023, follows a separate €200 million penalty against Temu last May. The EU said AliExpress failed to adequately protect consumers, allowing traders selling illegal goods to continue operating.