China: NDRC refutes bias against foreign firms, external lawyers

The head of China’s National Development and Reform Commission spoke to the press to deny recent reports of the regulator’s bias against foreign firms and to clarify the NDRC’s policy on using lawyers when opening an investigation, saying external lawyers are “welcome” to participate in probes.

NDRC head Xu Kunlin spoke at an antitrust forum to clarify apparent misconceptions in recent media reports, assuring that the regulator that the watchdog does not have specific targets in mind when opening investigations.

”SO long as there is a violation of the law, it will be investigated,” he said.

Xu also took the opportunity to clarify the NDRC’s policy on external lawyers getting involved in open cases, telling the panel that the regulator welcomes such lawyers to participate, especially as many domestic firms and lawyers are not adequately experienced with antitrust law.

The comments contradict last month’s reports by Reuters that the NDRC held a closed-door meeting to pressure foreign firms against hiring external lawyers, sparking outcries from multinational firms claiming the NDRC holds a bias against foreign companies.

Also at the panel, Xu refuted earlier media reports that said the NDRC was probing the nation’s auto industry, though revealed that the regulator is currently investigating the eyeglass sector, adding that the case “has proceeded smoothly.”

Full Content: 4-Traders

Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.