US regulators and business have spoken out against an antitrust enforcement push by Chinese authorities as the issue emerges as a potential new friction point in relations between the world’s two largest economies.
Foreign investors in China are increasingly concerned they are being targeted in official investigations of pricing practices such as one aimed at baby formula manufacturers earlier this year. They also have raised concerns about Chinese antitrust authorities’ rulings on mergers and acquisitions of mainland companies by foreign investors.
“China is wielding its antitrust law in a discriminatory manner targeting foreign companies,” said Jeremie Waterman, executive director for China policy at the US Chamber of Commerce, the largest US business lobby group.