China Launches Anti-Monopoly Probe into Google Amid Rising Tensions
China has announced the launch of an anti-monopoly investigation into Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google, and has placed two US companies—PVH Corp and Illumina—on its “unreliable entity list.” This action comes shortly after new US tariffs on Chinese goods went into effect, escalating tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
According to China’s Commerce Ministry, PVH Corp, the owner of brands like Calvin Klein, and the biotechnology firm Illumina were added to the list for allegedly implementing “discriminatory measures against Chinese enterprises” and infringing on the “legitimate rights and interests” of Chinese companies.
This designation imposes restrictions on trade, investment, and business activities in China.
At the same time, China’s State Administration of Market Regulation (SAMR) confirmed it has initiated an anti-monopoly probe into Google, accusing the tech giant of violating the country’s competition laws.
“We have launched an investigation into Google in accordance with the law,” the agency stated, although it did not provide specifics on the alleged violations.
Despite Google’s search engine being blocked in China, the company still maintains business relationships with local partners, including advertisers. Google, PVH, and Illumina have yet to comment on the matter.
