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China Investigates Trip.com for Market Dominance Abuse

1/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Chinese government is investigating Trip.com for allegedly abusing its market dominance, which controls 56% of China's online travel market.
Despite a post-pandemic surge in travel, hotel room rates have plummeted, with operators like Gary Huang forced to cut prices by at least 15% to stay visible on the Trip.com platform.
Operators report sudden drops in bookings and unilateral price cuts, likening the situation to coercion.

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Story summary

The Chinese government is investigating Trip.com for allegedly abusing its market dominance, which controls 56% of China's online travel market.
Despite a post-pandemic surge in travel, hotel room rates have plummeted, with operators like Gary Huang forced to cut prices by at least 15% to stay visible on the Trip.com platform.
Operators report sudden drops in bookings and unilateral price cuts, likening the situation to coercion.