The government of China has launched an antitrust investigation into Google in response to President Donald Trump’s imposition of a 10% tariff on Chinese goods.
The State Administration for Market Regulation in China is conducting an investigation into Google’s suspected monopolistic tactics as trade tensions between the two countries escalate.
Although Google’s internet and search services have been restricted in China since 2010, the company nevertheless operates there primarily for advertising purposes.
“Because Google is suspected of violating the Anti-Monopoly Law of the People’s Republic of China, the State Administration for Market Regulation has launched an investigation into Google in accordance with the law,” the English-translated version of the administration’s statement read.
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China’s Finance Ministry claims that the US tariffs are in violation of World Trade Organization regulations, which has rekindled the trade war between the two biggest economies in the world.
China retaliated, highlighting that there is “no winner in a trade war” and stating that Beijing “may be forced to take countermeasures.”
“We are firmly opposed to this unwarranted increase, and we do believe that this is in violation of the WTO (World Trade Organisation) rules,” China’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Fu Cong said.