China ends Google antitrust probe, shifts regulatory focus to NVIDIA

**China Ends Google Antitrust Probe, Shifts Regulatory Focus to NVIDIA**
*By Akash Pandey | Sep 18, 2025, 01:21 PM*

China has decided to end its antitrust investigation into tech giant Google, six months after it was launched, according to the Financial Times. This development comes amid escalating trade talks between Beijing and Washington, particularly concerning TikTok. It is important to note that Google has not yet been officially informed about the decision to terminate the probe.

### Details of the Probe into Google’s Android OS

The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) of China decided to end the competition investigation against Google, a move referred to as “zhongzhi” in Chinese. The probe, launched in February, focused on Google’s dominance in the Android operating system market. Authorities scrutinized how this dominance affects Chinese smartphone manufacturers such as OPPO and Xiaomi, which heavily rely on Google’s software ecosystem.

### Strategic Shift in China’s Regulatory Focus

The termination of the investigation is seen as a positive gesture toward Washington, signaling Beijing’s willingness to negotiate in ongoing trade discussions. A source told the Financial Times, “Drop one case but seize the other. China is trying to narrow its retaliatory targets to make them more potent.”

Now, China’s regulatory attention has shifted to NVIDIA, the world’s most valuable chipmaker. This shift could serve as leverage in the broader context of US-China trade negotiations.

### TikTok: US Ban Extended by Three Months

Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump announced an agreement had been reached with China over the sale of TikTok. This announcement followed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s confirmation of a “framework agreement” related to the app.

Despite the progress, Trump signed an executive order extending the ban on TikTok for an additional three months. This marks the fourth delay of the law intended to compel the sale of TikTok from its Chinese owner, extending regulatory uncertainty around the popular social media platform.

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China’s move to end the Google antitrust probe while focusing on NVIDIA highlights a tactical shift in its regulatory approach amidst sensitive US-China trade relations. The developments around TikTok remain closely watched as part of these ongoing geopolitical negotiations.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/china-ends-probe-into-google-amid-trade-talks-with-us/story