China Launches Crackdown on 'Involutionary' Competition, Targeting Livestreaming and Food Delivery

Central News Agency (Taipei, 27th) To address the 'involutionary' competition (unproductive, excessive competition) prevalent in China's commercial sector, the State Administration for Market Regulation has notified local authorities to launch a special campaign from now until December to 'rectify involutionary competition.' This includes spot checks, penalties, and public exposure of operators engaged in such practices. Livestreaming, food delivery, and key industrial products are the primary targets. According to the Beijing Daily, this campaign, titled 'Credit Empowerment to Rectify Involutionary Competition,' sets four key tasks. First, conduct spot checks on operators in sectors prone to involutionary competition and announce the results through the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System. Second, strictly and swiftly punish illegal and dishonest operators using credit supervision tools. Third, expose typical cases of illegal and dishonest competition through media channels to create a strong deterrent. Fourth, establish institutional mechanisms to prevent the spread and resurgence of such behaviors. The authorities aim to create a strong atmosphere of deterrence and education through these measures.