If mature societies legislate slower, China has certain reached adulthood. More than a decade of debate and many, many drafts
later monopolies will become unlawful this year.
Look closer. There are few concepts to send MN's (Multi-National Corporation) lawyers into study sessions.
In addition to the prevention of businesses squeezing out competition with predatory means, China's anti-monopoly laws prevent administrative monopolies: those protected by governmental barriers. Tobacco, transportation, stele-communication, and postal services are examples at national level, tourism and agriculture at regional. Is it an administrative monopoly, say, to stop issuing new taxi permits in New York city?
MN's worry the economic security clauses that govern foreign acquisitions. China now has a legitimate bureaucratic weapon to stall, or stop, acquisitions in name of national security. Does it sound familiar? Remember CNOOC's failed attempt to acquire Unocal? US Congress stopped it based on the threat to US national security. Funny that many US companies, Carlyle group for example, is now crying foul.
Overall, people welcome this law as a signal for modernization. China's latest major legislation is also paving ways for a society of lawyers and lobbyists. The era has arrived, the signs will become obvious soon.