Wafer production Photo: VCG

A spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Ministry said China opposed moves to politicalize normal bilateral business cooperation, and all forms of protectionism in the name of national security, responding to a media question that Germany may stop an acquisition deal between a Chinese company and a German one.

A Reuters' report said on Monday that German government will likely block the takeover of the Dortmund-based Elmos' chip factory by Chinese business Sai Microelectronics.

When asked about the matter, Zhao Lijian, the spokesperson, said on Wednesday that he wasn't aware of the situation but noted that Chinese government has always encouraged Chinese firms to follow the business principles and international rules, and pursue mutually beneficial cooperation in accordance with local laws. 

Zhao said all countries including Germany should provide an open, just and non-discriminative market environment for Chinese companies, instead of politicalizing normal business cooperation or conducting protectionism on the grounds of national security. 

In December last year, Elmos said in a press release that it will sell its wafer fabrication business in Dortmund to Silex Microsystems AB, a Swedish company that is a subsidiary of Sai Microelectronics for around 85 million euros ($85.28 million).

Sai Microelectronics said on Friday via an official announcement that it has not received any official document approving its takeover of Elmos' auto chip production line in Dortmund, after media reports cited alleged German plans to approve the deal, noting that all information related to the acquisition is subject to the final decision of the German authorities.

Global Times