Microsoft, Audi, Chrysler and others are facing pressures from Chinese regulators that have been building for years.
After Chinese authorities raided four Microsoft MSFT 0.74% offices in an anti-monopoly investigation last week and vowed to punish Audi and Chrysler for essentially charging unfair prices, the reactions of foreigners hit a similar note: can you believe it—China’s now coming after our companies!
Except—no one should be surprised. China has telegraphed its intentions of lessening the influence of foreign businesses for years and the time is finally here—when the country isn’t thirsting for foreign investment
These episodes should really be unsurprising to Western businesses in China: the government said they wanted to come after them and they have. Now it’s their turn to respond.
At least they are standing up to American corps when your own American govt won't do the same.