China Backs Vivo Amid Employee Arrests in India, Calls for Fair Business Environment

On Monday, China expressed its firm support for Chinese businesses in protecting their lawful rights and interests, including the arrested employees of smartphone maker Vivo in India. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, made this statement during a media briefing in Beijing.

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Consular Protection and Assistance

Mao Ning emphasized that the Chinese embassy and consulates in India will continue to provide consular protection and assistance to the individuals concerned in accordance with the law. She stressed that the Chinese government firmly supports Chinese businesses in safeguarding their lawful rights and interests.

Hope for Fair Business Environment

Mao Ning expressed hope that India will fully recognize the mutually beneficial nature of the business cooperation between the two countries and provide a fair, just, transparent, and non-discriminatory business environment.

Arrests and Custody

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in India arrested three Vivo-India executives, including Interim CEO Hong Xuquan alias Terry, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Harinder Dahiya, and consultant Hemant Munjal, under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED had earlier made four arrests in the case, including mobile company Lava International's MD Hari Om Rai, Chinese national Guangwen alias Andrew Kuang, and chartered accountants Nitin Garg and Rajan Malik. These individuals are currently in judicial custody.

China's response to the arrests of Vivo employees in India highlights the importance of protecting the rights and interests of Chinese businesses operating in foreign countries. The Chinese government's support for Vivo and its call for a fair business environment underscore the significance of fostering mutually beneficial economic cooperation between China and India.