China food delivery anti-monopoly probe 2026: The end of burn-rate wars

The era of unchecked subsidies in China's digital economy is facing a harsh reality check. China's State Council announced a massive anti-monopoly probe into food delivery platforms on January 9, 2026, targeting practices that authorities claim have distorted the market.

Contextualizing the China food delivery anti-monopoly probe

According to the Anti-Monopoly and Anti-Unfair Competition Commission, issues like excessive subsidies and price wars have become prominent. The cabinet stated these practices have squeezed the real economy and intensified 'involutionary' (neijuan) competition, sparking strong reactions from various sectors of society.

On-site inspections and corrective measures

It's not just a desk audit; the assessment will involve on-site inspections, in-person interviews, and questionnaires. Authorities plan to solicit views from all stakeholders, including merchants, delivery workers, and consumers. They'll examine market conditions, transmit regulatory pressure, and propose corrective measures for platforms that don't comply with fair competition standards.

The committee's urged platforms to actively cooperate and fulfill their responsibilities for antitrust compliance. The ultimate goal is to promote the 'innovative and healthy development' of the sector rather than purely focusing on traffic flow control and market dominance.