A French government source said last week a possible Chinese connection was being explored but had not been substantiated, after Renault suspended three executives suspected of leaking information on its electric vehicle program.
A source close to the company said the suspended executives would meet management on Tuesday. Renault has said it was studying all legal options and will probably press charges.
“We have noticed the relevant reports,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a regular news briefing. “We think that some people saying that China is behind this case is totally baseless and irresponsible.”
French government spokesman Francois Baroin said France was not accusing any country of involvement.
“There is no official accusation by France and the French government toward any country today. An inquiry is under way,” Baroin told Europe 1 radio on Tuesday. “Renault, like others, is the victim of a war of economic intelligence.”
Renault, 15 percent owned by the French state, declined to comment.
Relations between France and China hit a low two years ago when French President Nicolas Sarkozy criticized China’s policy on Tibet.
A visit by Chinese President Hu Jintao to Paris late last year helped repair ties as France seeks to secure Chinese support for reform of the global monetary system under its presidency of the Group of 20 club of economic powers.
The Financial Times reported that Renault had uncovered evidence of suspect financial transactions involving bank accounts in Switzerland.
The electric vehicle program, about which they are suspected of leaking information, is a key plank of the carmaker’s strategy. Together with Japanese partner Nissan it is investing billions of euros in the project.
Renault Chief Operating Officer Patrick Pelata has said the carmaker was the victim of an organized international network, without making any reference to China.
He said vital electric vehicle technology was safe and production of the cars would not be affected. Renault is set to launch its first electric cars — the Fluence and the Kangoo — later this year.
