China is set to carry out an antitrust investigation into Alphabet Inc's Google – in addition to one being proposed in the US – to dig into accusations that the search giant has impeded competition through the notability of its Android mobile software, sources with information of the matter disclosed on Wednesday.
The looming probe – launched as a form of retaliation at U.S. sanctions on Chinese tech groups – will examine the possible negative effects on the outcome of Google's strong market posture after tech conglomerates like Huawei, TikTok, WeChat and SMIC are being sanctioned by the U.S., reports said.
The inquiry could unfurl anytime this month and observe a standard formed by regulators in Europe. According to sources, China will also "look at what other nations have done, including conducting investigations on Google executives," Engadget reported.
Chinese telecom group Huawei Technologies initiated the complaint about Google's alleged unfair practice in 2019, which was submitted by China's State Administration for Market Regulation to the State Council's anti-trust panel for analysis, sources who requested anonymity said.
The probe would also assess how Europe deliberated on the $5.1 billion penalties slapped on the Menlo Park, California-based tech giant in 2018.
The U.S. trade blacklist prohibits Google from releasing technical support to new Huawei smartphone versions and access to the company's mobile services upon which the majority of Android operating system apps are based. Multiple U.S. tech firms are barred from doing business in China to safeguard domestic entities from the competition.
U.S. President Donald Trump has routinely increased the pressure on China since first engaging in a trade showdown with the country in 2018 and tightening the grip on Huawei on the basis of national security.
Huawei did not give immediate comment, while Google declined as well. China's top market regulator and state council likewise did not immediately issue any comment regarding the potential inquiry.
