China’s Foreign Ministry urged Indian authorities to provide a fair, impartial and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises operating in India on Monday, which came after Chinese mobile phone maker Xiaomi reportedly claimed its top executives faced threats of coercion during questioning by Indian officials. 

China is closely monitoring the situation and hopes Indian authorities conduct investigations and law enforcement in accordance with the law, Chinse Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Monday at a regular press conference.

The remarks came after Xiaomi alleged its top executives in Indian market faced threats of “physical violence” and “coercion” during questioning by India’s financial crime fighting agency, Reuters reported. 

According to the Reuters’ report, officials from Enforcement Directorate warned Xiaomi’s former India managing director, Manu Kumar Jain, current Chief Financial Officer Sameer B.S. Rao, and their families of "dire consequences" if the executives did not submit statements as desired by the agency, citing a Xiaomi’s filing dated May 4. 

The Enforcement Directorate of India issued a statement on May 7 stating that the allegations of Xiaomi officials being taken under coercion by the agency are “untrue and baseless.”

Zhao stressed that the Chinese government has always required Chinese companies to operate in compliance with local laws, while firmly supporting Chinese companies in defending their legitimate rights and interests.

Global Times