China widens Internet crackdown with Meituan monopoly probe

A food delivery courier for Meituan rides a motorcycle in Beijing, China. The investigation into Meituan signals that the regulatory crackdown is now moving beyond Ma’s empire. — Bloomberg

China’s government has expanded its antitrust crackdown beyond Jack Ma’s technology empire, launching an investigation into suspected monopolistic practices by food-delivery behemoth Meituan.

The State Administration for Market Regulation announced the investigation, which began recently, in a statement Monday. The antitrust watchdog is looking into alleged abuses including forced exclusivity arrangements known as “pick one of two”. The company said it will actively cooperate with the probe and step up efforts to comply with regulations. Operations are currently normal, it added in a statement.