Antitrust
China’s market regulator has launched a formal antitrust investigation into online travel platform Trip.com Group over suspected abuse of market dominance and monopolistic practices, according to an official notice released on Wednesday.
The State Administration for Market Regulation said the probe was initiated following preliminary verification and in line with China’s Anti-Monopoly Law. Trip.com said it will cooperate fully with regulators and confirmed that its operations remain normal.
Trip.com shares fell 6.49 percent in Hong Kong trading following the announcement.
The investigation comes as China steps up antitrust enforcement of internet platforms. Regulators have highlighted risks including forced exclusivity, unfair trading terms and “lowest-price-across-the-internet” requirements.
Trip.com operates brands including Ctrip, Trip.com, Qunar and Skyscanner and is one of China’s largest online travel platforms.
