China unveiled a detailed set of procedures for investigating threats to its industrial and supply chain security after the State Council adopted the country's first dedicated regulations on the issue in April.
The rules for industrial and supply chain security investigations will take effect immediately upon publication, the Ministry of Commerce said in a statement on Wednesday.
They provide a framework to investigate foreign actions that may harm China's supply chain security, and lay out possible countermeasures, including trade restrictions, investment bans and sanctions, against countries, organizations or individuals found to be engaging in damaging activities.
Under the rules, the ministry may initiate investigations when foreign countries, regions or organizations impose discriminatory measures on China's industrial and supply chains, or when foreign entities disrupt normal transactions with Chinese parties, take discriminatory actions, or cause or threaten harm to China's supply chain security.
The investigations will "safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, and uphold the stability and smooth functioning of global industrial and supply chains", the ministry said.
