(Yicai) July 22 -- China has expressed strong dissatisfaction and serious concern over the European Commission's decision to fine Alibaba-owned online marketplace AliExpress a record EUR550 million (USD628 million), accusing the European Union of erecting "digital barriers” under the pretext of platform regulation.

“China firmly opposes Europe setting up digital barriers on the grounds of platform regulation and taking discriminatory measures to restrict and suppress the normal operation of Chinese e-commerce enterprises in Europe,” a Ministry of Commerce spokesperson told reporters today.

The EC announced the fine on July 20, saying AliExpress had failed to meet its obligations to prevent sales of illegal items such as fake goods and unsafe toys on the e-commerce platform. It is the heftiest penalty ever issued under the EU’s Digital Services Act, which requires tech companies to meet certain standards. AliExpress has until Oct. 20 to submit a plan for how it will tackle the issue.

“China urges Europe to stop abusing its discretion by exploiting the ambiguity of legal provisions and to treat Chinese companies fairly and justly,” the spokesperson said, adding that the Asian country will firmly support Chinese companies in using legal means to protect their rights.

The China Chamber of Commerce to the European Union also expressed concerns and opposition to the fine. “The CCCEU has always supported a fair, open, and non-discriminatory digital market environment,” it said.

“We believe that platform regulation should be based on a clear, transparent, and predictable legal framework, should not set market barriers via digital rules, and should avoid adverse effects on the normal operation of enterprises and market confidence,” the chamber added.

Editor: Tom Litting