China is using its six-year-old antimonopoly law to put foreign businesses under increasing pressure, a development that experts say will intensify as Beijing seeks greater sway over the prices paid by its companies and consumers.
In recent months, Chinese antitrust officials have launched probes of companies ranging from car makers Audi AG and Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz to technology firms Microsoft Corp. and Qualcomm Inc., although they haven’t always disclosed what they are investigating.
On Monday, Chinese officials gave Microsoft another slap, warning it not to hinder their investigation. A spokeswoman for Microsoft declined to comment.
Experts say China is responding to greater awareness that the prices its people and companies pay for goods from foreign companies are often higher than those in other markets. Chinese consumers pay around $470 for the cheapest version of an iPad Mini with Retina display, for instance, while U.S. consumers can buy one for $399.
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Laurie Burkitt and Colum Murphy, Wall Street Journal via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1qMRsrM
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