China Ends Google Antitrust Probe, Shifts Focus to Nvidia in Trade Talks
China has officially ended its antitrust investigation into Google, according to a report by the Financial Times on Thursday. The decision comes as trade talks between Beijing and Washington intensify, with negotiations centering on TikTok and Nvidia amid growing tensions.
Beijing’s Tactical Shift
The move marks a strategic change by Beijing. By dropping the Google probe, regulators are signaling flexibility toward Washington while redirecting their regulatory pressure onto Nvidia. Analysts see this as a calculated step to gain leverage in the ongoing U.S.-China trade negotiations.
Probe Dropped by China’s Regulator
China’s State Administration for Market Regulation launched the antitrust case against Google in February. Citing sources familiar with the matter, the Financial Times reported that the regulator has now decided to close the case. However, Google has not yet been formally notified of the decision.
Google declined to comment, while China’s State Administration for Market Regulation and the State Council did not respond to requests for comment. The original probe accused Google of potential violations of China’s anti-monopoly law but offered no detailed evidence.
Nvidia Faces Growing Scrutiny
At the same time, Beijing has shifted its focus to Nvidia. Earlier this week, Chinese authorities accused the California-based chipmaker of breaching antitrust rules after a preliminary investigation into its business practices. Nvidia is now at the center of China’s regulatory pressure, highlighting its importance in the technology trade battle.
Rising U.S.-China Trade Tensions
The backdrop to these regulatory maneuvers is the ongoing trade dispute between Washington and Beijing. Over the past six months, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed heavy tariffs on China, initially raising them before later reducing the rate to 30%. He also threatened to ban TikTok, one of the most popular social media platforms.
In retaliation, China imposed 10% tariffs and launched antitrust investigations into major American firms like Google. With the latest shift toward Nvidia, Beijing continues to signal its willingness to escalate or ease pressure depending on the trade negotiations.
