China has decided to terminate its antitrust investigation into Google this week and instead is turning regulatory scrutiny toward Nvidia. This development comes as Beijing and Washington intensify discussions over trade issues including concerns related to TikTok and Nvidia.
Earlier, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation had opened a preliminary inquiry into Google, accusing the company of breaching its anti-monopoly laws. No specific details of the alleged violations were made public. Despite this, the investigation has now been dropped. At least two people familiar with the matter confirmed the decision.
Google has not yet received formal notice of the probe’s termination. Even so, the decision is being interpreted by observers as a gesture of flexibility from Beijing toward Washington. By winding down the investigation into Google, China appears to be seeking leverage in its ongoing trade negotiations with the United States.
Simultaneously, Beijing has accused Nvidia of contravening China’s antitrust regulations. That allegation followed a preliminary probe into the California-based chipmaker’s business practices. The shift suggests that regulators are aiming to apply pressure on firms with close ties to U.S. trade policy.
These moves occur against a backdrop of sustained tensions between China and the United States over tariffs, technology competition and social media platforms. Earlier this year, the U.S. imposed large-scale tariffs on China before reducing them to thirty percent and threatened measures against TikTok. In response, China adopted its own 10% tariffs and initiated antitrust investigations into American firms such as Google.
The change in focus from Google to Nvidia signals China is adjusting its strategy. It is balancing regulatory action with diplomatic signals that it remains willing to negotiate. The pivot could reshape ongoing trade discussions and influence how future technology regulations are enforced.
Emmanuel Onwuka 
Raphael Obasiohia