Alibaba antitrust probe presents new challenges for China’s regulators 12 years after implementation of anti-monopoly law

Beijing has been cautious when it comes to regulatory probes but few of the previous cases rival Alibaba’s in terms of business complexity and market size. Regulatory probes into abuse of market position usually ended in fines being imposed, according to the Post’s review of past cases. — SCMP

With all eyes on the antitrust investigation into Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding, Beijing’s record to date in tackling alleged monopolistic behaviour by big business may not shed any light on how the case may end.

A review of more than 100 Chinese antitrust cases in the 12 years since China’s anti-monopoly law came into effect found that most targeted the pharmaceutical industry and municipal water utilities, according to research by the South China Morning Post.