Ippubblikat · Malta

China-EU Antitrust Cooperation: What Foreign Founders Need to Know

China's market regulator met with the EU Commission's competition chief to discuss antitrust cooperation. Here's what foreign founders operating in China should take away from the dialogue.

China and EU Strengthen Antitrust Cooperation

On October 21, 2026, Liu Guiping, Director of China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), met with Anthony Whelan, Director-General of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Competition. The meeting focused on the latest developments in antitrust legislation and enforcement in both China and the EU, as well as bilateral cooperation in antitrust matters. Both sides expressed their intention to deepen cooperation on competition policy and antitrust enforcement and to jointly uphold a fair competitive order in international markets.

For foreign founders operating or planning to establish a company in China, this high-level dialogue signals ongoing regulatory engagement between China and the EU. While the meeting itself did not announce new rules, it underscores the importance of understanding China's antitrust framework and how it may affect your business.

Key Takeaways from the Meeting

• High-level engagement: The meeting between SAMR and the European Commission's competition authority highlights continuing dialogue on competition policy.
• Focus on cooperation: Both sides discussed recent progress in their respective antitrust legislation and enforcement and expressed a willingness to deepen cooperation.
• Fair competition: The stated goal is to maintain a fair competitive order in international markets, which could impact how cross-border business is conducted.

What This Means for Foreign Founders

As a foreign founder setting up a company in China, antitrust and competition rules may affect various aspects of your operations, from mergers and acquisitions to distribution agreements and pricing strategies. Although this meeting did not introduce new regulations, it serves as a reminder that China's antitrust enforcement is active and that international cooperation in this area is increasing.

Practical Steps to Consider

• Understand China's Anti-Monopoly Law: Familiarize yourself with the key provisions, especially if your business involves large market share or strategic partnerships.
• Monitor regulatory updates: Keep an eye on announcements from SAMR and other authorities regarding antitrust enforcement priorities.
• Assess merger control implications: If you plan to acquire or merge with another company in China, check whether the transaction triggers merger control filing requirements.
• Review agreements: Ensure that distribution, licensing, and pricing agreements comply with competition rules.

Additionally, the same day, SAMR Vice Minister Shu Wei held the 2026 China-EU Competition Policy Dialogue and the Dialogue on Fair Competition Review and State Aid Control System with Anthony Whelan. These dialogues suggest that China is engaging with international partners on competition policy issues, which could lead to more aligned enforcement practices over time.

Conclusion

The meeting between SAMR and the European Commission's competition authority reflects ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation in antitrust enforcement. For foreign founders, this emphasizes the need to integrate competition law compliance into your China market entry and operations strategy. Staying informed about regulatory developments and seeking professional advice can help mitigate risks.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.

For assistance with company registration and compliance in China, foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535.