- Antitrust Guidelines for the Public Utilities Sector
- Pricing Compliance Guidelines for the Automotive Industry
- CAC Plans to Issue an “Algorithm Negative List”
- Market Study of the Online Hotel Booking Market
- APEC CPLG Plenary Meeting
- SAMR Meeting with Parks Tau
- Antitrust Lecture for Companies Operating Overseas
Antitrust Guidelines for the Public Utilities Sector
State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has issued Antitrust Guidelines for the Public Utilities Sector. They cover providers of water, electricity, gas and heating supply, waste disposal, drainage, public transport and other services—sectors often characterized by natural monopolies.
The document consists of 7 chapters and 50 articles. It includes guidance on market definition, recommended criteria for establishing dominance, indicators of anti-competitive agreements and abuse of dominance, conditions for exemption from liability, and more.
Sources: SAMR 1, SAMR 2, SAMR 3
Pricing Compliance Guidelines for the Automotive Industry
China’s automotive industry is currently facing numerous pricing violations: opaque pricing and price fraud undermine fair competition and hinder the sector’s high-quality development. To address unfair practices, SAMR has issued Pricing Compliance Guidelines for the Automotive Industry, clarifying permissible conduct and promoting a fair market order.
The document sets out requirements for price formation at all stages—from vehicle and component manufacturing to pricing strategies and sales practices. Market participants are required to implement comprehensive price management, maintain fair pricing, and monitor advertising and pricing conduct. It also addresses key issues such as failure to clearly indicate prices and misleading promotional activities. In addition, it highlights the role of industry associations, recommending that they develop practical measures to implement the Guidelines.
Source: SAMR
CAC Plans to Issue an “Algorithm Negative List”
The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) held a meeting to prepare a pilot “negative list” of algorithms for lifestyle platforms. This category includes platforms offering household services such as cleaning, repairs, food delivery, ticketing, travel, and similar services. At the time of publication, the draft list was not publicly available.
Currently, the most well-known negative list in China is the foreign investment negative list, which specifies industries and activities in which foreign investment is partially or fully restricted. It is expected that, to protect the rights of consumers and merchants, the regulator may similarly prohibit platforms from using certain algorithms and technical tools.
Source: CAC
Market Study of the Online Hotel Booking Market
As part of efforts to combat forced exclusivity, SAMR conducted a sector inquiry into the online accommodation booking market. The regulator consulted local market authorities, platforms, hotel owners, and industry associations in several cities, recording their views and proposals.
The investigation found that on certain platforms, the so-called “choose one of two” practice has evolved from an explicit requirement into a disguised element of platform operations. Platforms reportedly employ advanced technological solutions—including smart monitoring tools, algorithms, and mechanisms for expanding influence—to implement such practices.
Source: WeChat
APEC CPLG Plenary Meeting
On February 7, a plenary meeting of the APEC Competition Policy and Law Group (CPLG) was held in Guangzhou, southern China. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the first Senior Officials’ Meeting of APEC 2026. It serves as an important platform for regular exchanges among APEC member economies on competition policy and law.
SAMR sent representatives to participate, who shared information on China’s antitrust legislation and enforcement practices.
Source: WeChat
SAMR Meeting with Parks Tau
On February 6, SAMR Vice Minister Shu Wei met with South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau. The parties exchanged views on issues such as gradual (“soft”) regulatory alignment and promoting fair competition.
Shu Wei stated that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China–South Africa relations in the new era have risen to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership. SAMR is ready to deepen cooperation with South Africa by providing technical and institutional support to ensure smooth trade and industrial synergy. Parks Tau expressed willingness to establish a regular ministerial-level cooperation mechanism with China to promote gradual alignment.
Source: SAMR
Antitrust Lecture for Companies Operating Overseas
On February 5, SAMR held its first antitrust compliance lecture of 2026 in Chongqing, central China, for Chinese companies operating abroad. The lecture focused on antitrust risks and compliance strategies in key industries. Organizers provided a detailed analysis of regulatory trends and case studies from leading jurisdictions (the EU and the United States).
Representatives of more than 40 companies from sectors including machinery, electronics, information technology, and biomedicine attended the event.
Antitrust compliance lectures for Chinese companies operating overseas have been held since 2025. To date, six lectures have taken place, covering industries such as aviation, automotive manufacturing, integrated circuits, and the Internet, as well as different types of enterprises, including private and state-owned companies.
Source: WeChat
