Review № 4 of Chinese Antitrust News from the Experts of the BRICS Competition Centre
- China's Foreign Ministry denies creation of list of US IT companies for antitrust investigations
- New measures to combat "professional closers" in China
- China approves new national standards in various areas
- Antitrust control in China's financial sector: trends and features
- China's Ministry of Commerce: Lawsuit against US tariffs to be considered within WTO procedures
- China strengthens measures to develop use of public data
- China approves audit rules for personal data protection
- SAMR introduces measures to combat "internal competition" among regions
China's Foreign Ministry denies creation of list of US IT companies for antitrust investigations
On February 10, 2025, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said he had no information about China's allegedly developing list of American technology companies that could become targets of antitrust investigations. He emphasized that China opposes the politicization of economic and technological issues and seeks to create a market, legal, and international business environment that is open to all countries and companies.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China
New measures to combat "professional closers" in China
On February 11, 2025, SAMR announced the enactment of the "Company Registration Administration Regulations" to address the problems of so-called "professional closers" - individuals who help companies avoid debt obligations by fictitiously changing ownership. The new regulations prohibit the abuse of a company's legal status to evade debts and administrative penalties, and impose registration restrictions on individuals involved in such fraudulent practices. In addition, the regulations simplify company liquidation procedures and combat fictitious registration practices, promoting a more transparent and fair business environment.
Source: SAMR
China approves new national standards in various areas
On February 12, 2025, SAMR announced the approval of a series of new national standards in several new areas, such as emergency management, agriculture, energy conservation and emission reduction, production safety, high-tech manufacturing, and information technology. These standards aim to improve the quality of products and services, ensure safety, and support sustainable development in the relevant sectors.
Source: SAMR
Antitrust control in China's financial sector: trends and features
On February 12, 2025, the Dacheng Antitrust team published an overview of antitrust regulation in China's financial sector. The acceleration of mergers and acquisitions in the banking, insurance and securities industries has led to an increase in antitrust inspections. From 2021 to 2024, 135 such cases were registered, of which 124 were simplified. Key trends: the prevalence of horizontal mergers, high activity of securities companies and caution in cross-border transactions. Increased concentration, increased antitrust requirements and sanctions for violations are expected, including fines of up to 10% of annual revenue.
Source: WeChat
China's Ministry of Commerce: Lawsuit against US tariffs to be considered within WTO procedures
On February 14, 2025, Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesman He Yongqian said the US's imposition of additional tariffs on goods from February 1 violated WTO rules. China had already filed a lawsuit on February 4 and will seek a solution under WTO mechanisms. He stressed that the US should abandon protectionism and return to the multilateral trading system, as the new tariffs, including 25% on steel and aluminum and higher levies on aluminum products, undermine global trade and harm the world's supply chain.
Source: People's Daily
China strengthens measures to develop use of public data
On February 14, 2025, the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Data Administration issued three new regulations aimed at improving public data management. The new rules define procedures for registering, licensing, and pricing data use, which should remove existing barriers and improve the efficiency of data use. Public data, including information on social security, taxes, and utility payments, will be available to public and private organizations, facilitating business support, improving the provision of social services, and enhancing security in various industries. Particular attention is paid to the protection of data and personal information, as well as the creation of a transparent and sustainable data sharing ecosystem.
Source: People's Daily
China approves audit rules for personal data protection
On February 15, 2025, People's Daily reported that the General Office of the Central Committee for Cyberspace Affairs issued the "Procedures for Conducting Personal Data Protection Compliance Audits," which will take effect on May 1, 2025. The document regulates the frequency and procedures of audits for organizations that process personal data of more than 10 million people, and requires them to conduct audits every two years.
Source: People's Daily
SAMR introduces measures to combat "internal competition" among regions
In an interview with People's Daily, SAMR's Deputy Head of Competition Policy Department Mr. Aizaz Aili said that SAMR is implementing comprehensive measures to eliminate "internal competition," where local governments restrict the access of outside companies by giving preferential treatment to local enterprises in government procurement and tenders. The agency is implementing a "Three Letters and One Notification" system: a risk warning, a requirement to eliminate violations, an administrative proposal, and an opportunity for investigation with follow-up measures. It also emphasized that a single national market requires transparent conditions and equal access for all participants. In addition, SAMR plans to strengthen credit regulation, support the private sector, and implement sanctions for unfair practices, creating a fair market environment.
Source: People's Daily
