Costa said at the end of the European Council meeting that Portugal had a positive experience with Chinse investors, which he said acted in accordance with Portugal's legislation.

He also said at the meeting, in which relations between the EU and China were discussed, that Chinese investment in Portugal was a small part of China's investment in Europe as a whole.

Asked about the public bid made by China Three Georges for EDP, Costa said regulatory entities would carry out their roles, which he said are developed in line with restrictive rules.

CTG became a shareholder in EDP in 2011 and currently owns 23.27% of the company's capital.

In May last year, CTG announced it intended to launch a bid on EDP's capital, offering €3.26 per share.

The price offered by CTG is the main reason why EDP's management board has recommended shareholders not take up the offer, saying it did not adequately reflect the company's value.

Other Portuguese companies also have Chinese capital including bank BCP, insurer Fidelidade and Portugal's energy grid operator REN.