China to give consular support to Vivo employees arrested in India

On December 25, China announced that it would offer consular protection and support to the detained workers of Vivo, a Chinese smartphone manufacturer, in India. It also reaffirmed its unwavering support for Chinese companies defending their legitimate rights and interests. Three vivo-India officials were detained by the Enforcement Directorate last week in relation to their money laundering investigation against the Chinese smartphone manufacturer and other matters. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a press conference held here on Monday that China is closely monitoring the situation when asked about her response to the arrests. “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 told the media. “The Chinese government firmly supports Chinese businesses in safeguarding their lawful rights and interests. We hope that India will fully recognise the mutually beneficial nature of the business cooperation between our two countries and provide a fair, just, transparent and non-discriminatory business environment,” she added. “India needs to see the mutually beneficial nature of its business ties with China and provide a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies.” CEO of vivo-India in interim In accordance with the terms of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), Chinese national Hong Xuquan, also known as Terry, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Harinder Dahiya, and consultant Hemant Munjal have been placed under arrest. In this case, the federal government has already made four arrests: Chinese national Guangwen, alias Andrew Kuang, MD of mobile company Lava International Hari Om Rai, and chartered accountants Nitin Garg and Rajan Malik. They are currently being held by judges. (With agency inputs)