The article discusses the application of two regulatory frameworks of the European Union to Chinese investments in the energy sector: merger control focused on the protection of market competition and foreign investment control based on the protection of security and public order. First, it analyzes the application of the EU-wide merger control to Chinese mergers and acquisitions with a particular focus on the role of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) as primary actors in the implementation of China's industrial policies. Second, it discusses the evolution of the EU investment control framework aimed at addressing the security risks associated with foreign direct investment (FDI) in the European energy infrastructure and the acquisition of the associated critical technologies.