Meituan under investigation over alleged monopolistic behavior

The State Administration for Market Regulation has launched investigations on shopping platform Meituan over alleged monopolistic behaviors, according to reports, said the announcement on the administration's website released on Monday.

The regulator said the investigations on the alleged malpractices will be focusing on actions including forcing collaborating merchants to choose between their own online marketplaces and those of its competitors for selling products.

Meituan said in an announcement that its business is operating normally and it will actively cooperate with regulatory authorities in the investigation. The company will strive to protect the legitimate rights and interests of users, promote the long-term and healthy development of the industry, and earnestly fulfill its social responsibilities.

On April 14, three top government departments, including the State Administration for Market Regulation, urged Chinese internet platform companies to conduct a month-long, self-inspection and desist from monopolistic behavior and any action that hinders fair competition or hurts the interests of merchants and consumers.