China on Friday expressed serious concern over remarks by a Mexican official regarding potential restrictions on Chinese investment, urging Mexico not to politicize economic and trade issues, according to a statement released by China's Ministry of Commerce.

Mexican media reported that a senior official from Mexico's Ministry of Economy said that the United States has accused Mexico of acting as a "transshipment platform" for Asian goods entering the US market, and voiced support for Mexico's tariff hikes on products such as automobiles and steel imported from non-free trade partners. The official added that Mexico is considering conducting "economic security reviews" on Chinese investment.

Responding to the reports, the Ministry of Commerce said China firmly opposes unilateralism and protectionism in all forms, as well as the politicization, weaponization, and instrumentalization of economic and trade issues.

According to the ministry, China launched an investigation into Mexico's restrictive measures involving China under its trade and investment barrier investigation mechanism in September. The final conclusions of the probe will be released soon, and China will take necessary measures at an appropriate time to firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.

China stands ready to enhance communication with Mexico, properly manage differences, and jointly maintain the overall stability of bilateral economic and trade relations, the statement said.