Review №20 of Chinese Antitrust News from the Experts of the BRICS Competition Centre
- Draft Published: 10 Rules On Subsidies For Food Delivery Platforms
- Lalamove Under SAMR Antitrust Compliance Review
- Regulatory Interview Conducted With Sam's Club
- China And Myanmar Sign MoU On Competition Cooperation
- 11 Platforms Form Alliance To Combat “Involutionary” Competition
- Overseas Antitrust Regulation Series Highlight Chile And France
- 4th And 5th Lectures On Overseas Antitrust Compliance Held
- Campaign Launched To Improve Efficiency Of M&A Review Process
Draft Published: 10 Rules On Subsidies For Food Delivery Platforms
SAMR has released for public consultation a draft of the “Ten Rules on Food Delivery Platform Subsidies.” The consultation period will run until July 17.
Over the past year and a half, the “subsidy war” has become a central focus for both regulators and the public. Excessive subsidies aimed at eliminating competitors have harmed the interests of merchants, restaurants, couriers, and consumers, and have triggered sector investigations.
The proposed document prohibits restricting competition through long-term and large-scale subsidies. It also prevents platforms from coercing merchants and restaurants (including through algorithms or other technologies) into participating in subsidized promotions, bearing subsidy costs, or selling goods below cost.
Leading platforms that initiated the regulator-criticized “subsidy war” (Meituan, JD.com, and Taobao Flash Sale) have immediately expressed strong support for the draft rules.
Sources:SAMR 1, SAMR 2, WeChat
Lalamove Under SAMR Antitrust Compliance Review
SAMR conducted an open regulatory interview with logistics company Lalamove (known in Chinese as Huolala). The authority had previously expressed concerns about its unfair competitive practices and has now held a meeting to assess remediation progress.
The company is currently working to meet the following antitrust compliance requirements:
- stop using algorithms to unjustifiably underprice freight services; regularly publish pricing rules and explain price changes;
- remove mandatory exclusive vehicle sticker requirements and reimburse drivers approximately $17.5 million in unjustified fees;
- reduce platform commissions (already reduced from 11% to 9%, lowering driver burdens by over $190 million annually);
- protect drivers’ legitimate rights and interests, including annual investments of about $1.5 million in compensation funds for mileage deviations and about $7 million in driver assistance funds.
SAMR stated it will strictly combat “involutionary” competition in the platform economy and closely monitor compliance.
Source: SAMR
Regulatory Interview Conducted With Sam's Club
SAMR summoned the head of Sam’s Club China (a retail chain operated by Walmart) for a regulatory interview due to recently identified violations and multiple media reports concerning food safety issues. The authority required strict compliance with China’s Food Safety Law and newly issued regulations on the responsibility of chain retailers for food safety.
Earlier this year, a similar interview was conducted with Meiyijia’s leadership, and SAMR also fined seven major internet services for food safety violations. The $570 million penalty was the largest imposed on digital platforms since the 2015 revision of China’s Food Safety Law.
Source: SAMR
China And Myanmar Sign MoU On Competition Cooperation
On June 16, SAMR head Luo Wen and Myanmar’s Minister of Commerce Tun Ohn signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in competition policy. The agreement provides for exchange of experience and expertise through training programs, seminars, and joint research to foster a fair and competitive market environment for bilateral economic and trade cooperationг.
Source: SAMR
11 Platforms Form Alliance To Combat “Involutionary” Competition
On June 15 in Guangzhou, an Internet Platform Alliance against “involutionary” (neijuan) competition and for high-quality development was officially established.
The alliance aims to improve the quality and efficiency of the platform economy in Guangdong Province. Members pledged to adhere to proper algorithmic ethics and integrate compliance into corporate governance to ensure a healthy ecosystem through standardized competition.
The alliance will also serve as a bridge to help companies strengthen self-discipline, eliminate “involutionary” competition, promote digital transformation of small and micro enterprises, and support fair competition and shared growth across platform ecosystems.
Source: WeChat
Overseas Antitrust Regulation Series Highlight Chile And France
In 2026, SAMR launched an infographic series presenting antitrust laws and regulatory frameworks in other jurisdictions. The latest edition covers Chile and France, explaining key laws, merger notification thresholds, and potential antitrust violations.
Earlier editions covered the United States, the EU, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Japan, Canada, Italy, Germany, and Australia.
4th And 5th Lectures On Overseas Antitrust Compliance Held
SAMR held its fourth and fifth lectures on antitrust compliance for Chinese companies operating abroad. The sessions targeted firms in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area and the Yangtze River Delta, improving their ability to identify and manage antitrust risks in foreign jurisdictions.
Organizers presented regional competition policy frameworks, analyzed case studies, provided practical guidance, and answered audience questions.
Source: WeChat
Campaign Launched To Improve Efficiency Of M&A Review Process
SAMR launched a thematic campaign to improve the efficiency of merger control enforcement. Running from June to December, the initiative aims to strengthen regulatory capacity and improve the quality and efficiency of supervision. It also includes plans to further develop and expand delegation mechanisms for merger review filings.
