Ministry of Commerce denies allegations that anti-monopoly legislation is biased against foreign enterprises

Gasgoo.com (Shanghai August 19) - Reverberations from the scales of the China's recent anti-monopoly investigations can be felt across various industries. However, the way the investigations are being handled not been applauded by everyone, with the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China accusing the government of exclusively going after foreign enterprises operating in the country. Responding to those allegations, Ministry of Commerce Spokesman Shen Danyang stated earlier this week that the government's anti-monopoly investigations are not specifically targeted at foreign enterprises, the Beijing News reported today.

In its statement on the issue, the European Chamber stated that the anti-monopoly investigations display a discriminatory attitude towards foreign enterprises. The Chamber alleged that the government bodies involved in the investigations did not fully listen to information provided, instead employing threatening tactics to force enterprises to accept penalties and punishments.

Responding to the Chamber's allegations, Mr. Shen stated that in its now six years of implementation, China's Anti-Monopoly Law has investigated potential monopolistic practices among both domestic Chinese companies and foreign enterprises. He stressed that, as far as the legislation is concerned, all enterprises are viewed equally. "Any speculation that the Chinese anti-monopoly legislation is directed towards specific countries or enterprises is entirely false," Mr. Shen stated.

However, Mr. Shen added that it was understandable that the European Chamber and implicated enterprises would voice complaints with the legislation.

Mr. Shen also commented that the anti-monopoly investigations are not only targeted at the automotive industry. Enterprises from other industries have also been implicated for violating behaviors, such as the American Osi Group, which allegedly sold expired food products.

Since July, several major players in the automotive industry have been found guilty by the investigations of engaging in monopolistic activities. Among them, Audi and Cadillac, as well as 12 Japanese auto part suppliers, are facing stiff penalties. Many manufacturers have responded by lowering the prices of their automobile and auto part products.