China Warns Tech Giants: "Lowest Price" Demands Could Break Law
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China's top market regulator has warned internet platforms that forcing merchants to offer the "lowest price online" may violate antitrust laws.
The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) issued the warning on Wednesday. It explained new draft rules designed to stop monopolistic behavior by large platforms.
A key focus is the "lowest-price" requirement. This practice happens when a platform prevents a merchant from selling its products at a lower price on any other website or app.
SAMR stated that such tactics restrict competition and hurt market fairness. The draft guidelines are part of Beijing's wider effort to control anti-competitive actions in the tech sector.
Platforms found breaking the rules could face formal antitrust investigations and potential penalties.