China Probes Criticized as Europe Executives Cry Foul

Tensions in China’s foreign business community escalated to new highs after European companies protested that local authorities involved in an antitrust crackdown are abusing their power through intimidation tactics.

Chinese investigators are picking on foreign companies, pressuring them into accepting punishments and depriving them of full hearings, the European Union Chamber of Commerce said yesterday in a statement, without naming anyone. Representatives at the chamber, which has about 1,800 members in the country, declined to elaborate on any specifics beyond the statement.