Published by ChinaMNC · Fuliang

China-EU Antitrust Cooperation: Key Takeaways for Foreign Founders

On October 21, 2026, China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and the European Commission's Directorate-General for Competition held high-level talks and dialogues on antitrust cooperation. For foreign founders operating in China, these developments signal ongoing regulatory engagement and a commitment to fair competition, underscoring the importance of compliance in the Chinese market.

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

For foreign entrepreneurs building or running a company in China, understanding the regulatory landscape is essential. A recent high-level meeting between Chinese and European competition authorities highlights the ongoing dialogue on antitrust enforcement and fair competition—issues that can directly affect market access and business operations.

High-Level Meeting Between SAMR and EU Competition Officials

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, in Beijing. The meeting focused on the latest developments in antitrust legislation and enforcement in both China and the EU, as well as bilateral cooperation on 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.

This dialogue is part of a broader framework of regulatory engagement between China and the EU, and it signals that competition policy remains a priority for both jurisdictions. For foreign founders, this means that antitrust compliance will continue to be a key area of focus for Chinese authorities.

2026 China-EU Competition Policy Dialogue and Fair Competition Review

On the same day, SAMR Deputy Director Shu Wei held the 2026 China-EU Competition Policy Dialogue and a dialogue on fair competition review and state aid control with Anthony Whelan. These discussions likely covered topics such as merger control, anti-monopoly investigations, and the role of state aid in maintaining fair competition. While the specifics of the dialogues were not disclosed, the fact that they took place demonstrates a commitment to ongoing communication and cooperation between China and the EU on competition issues.

For foreign founders, these dialogues are a reminder that China's antitrust regime is actively evolving and that regulators are engaged with international counterparts to ensure consistency and fairness. It is advisable to stay informed about regulatory changes and to seek professional advice when navigating complex areas such as mergers and acquisitions or pricing strategies.

Why This Matters for Foreign Founders in China

China's antitrust law applies to all companies operating in the Chinese market, regardless of their country of origin. The SAMR is responsible for enforcing the Anti-Monopoly Law and reviewing mergers that may have anti-competitive effects. Recent years have seen increased enforcement activity and updated regulations, making it crucial for foreign-invested enterprises to understand their obligations.

The meeting between SAMR and EU officials underscores the importance of international cooperation in competition policy. For foreign founders, this could mean that Chinese authorities are more open to dialogue and may consider international best practices when enforcing antitrust rules. However, it also means that companies should be prepared for scrutiny and ensure that their business practices comply with local laws.

Key takeaways for foreign founders:

• Stay informed: Antitrust regulations and enforcement priorities can change. Regularly monitor updates from SAMR and other relevant authorities.
• Assess your market position: If your company has a significant market share, be mindful of pricing, exclusivity arrangements, and other practices that could raise antitrust concerns.
• Merger control: Acquisitions or joint ventures may require pre-merger notification to SAMR. Failure to notify can result in penalties.
• Seek local expertise: Engage legal counsel with experience in Chinese competition law to navigate complex issues.

The dialogues also touched on fair competition review and state aid control, topics that are relevant to ensuring a level playing field for all market participants. While the details are not public, these discussions reflect a broader effort to align competition policies and address potential distortions.

Practical Steps for Compliance

Foreign founders should consider the following steps to mitigate antitrust risks:

• Conduct a compliance audit: Review your contracts, distribution agreements, and pricing policies to identify potential antitrust issues.
• Train employees: Ensure that staff understand the basics of China's Anti-Monopoly Law and the importance of compliance.
• Monitor competitors and market trends: Be aware of how your actions might be perceived by regulators and competitors.
• Engage with regulators: If you have questions or concerns, consider seeking guidance from SAMR or participating in public consultations on proposed regulations.

While the meeting itself does not introduce new rules, it reinforces the importance of competition compliance in China. Foreign founders should view this as an opportunity to strengthen their compliance frameworks and to stay engaged with regulatory developments.

Conclusion

The October 21, 2026, meeting between SAMR and EU competition officials highlights the ongoing commitment to international cooperation in antitrust enforcement. For foreign founders, this signals that China's regulatory environment remains open to dialogue but also that compliance with competition law is non-negotiable. By staying informed and proactive, foreign entrepreneurs can navigate these complexities and focus on growing their businesses in China.

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

Call to action: Foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535 for help registering and operating a company in China.