A Chinese investigation of pork imports from the European Union will protect the rights and interests of "stakeholders", Reuters reported, citing the commerce ministry on Thursday.

The probe followed a request from domestic industry, ministry spokesperson He Yadong told a regular news conference.

Begun on June 17, the investigation will look into pork and its by-products imported from the European Union after the bloc decided to impose anti-subsidy duties on Chinese electric vehicles.

The provisional EU tariffs were due to take effect on Thursday.