Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian called for ensuring open and fair access to Chinese companies in the world instead of hindering normal cooperation on the grounds of “protecting national security.”

He said that Beijing encourages Chinese firms to abide by business principles, international and local rules as they seek to expand mutually beneficial economic-commercial ties.

Zhao thus responded to reports about the possible refusal of Germany to an agreement on the acquisition of the Dortmund-based Elmos semiconductor plant by the Sai Microelectronics company.

Late last month, the Chinese corporation said it was awaiting Berlin’s go-ahead for the transaction, valued at $85.2 million and scheduled to be completed through a Swedish subsidiary.

The German government has the final word on the deal, which contemplates the full transfer of shares, contracts and personnel from the Elmos plant.

Germany is currently working on reconfiguring its trade policy with China and many sectors want to reduce dependence on the Chinese market.

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