The New Anti-monopoly Law in China from a European Perspective

The present paper addresses the recent Chinese Anti-monopoly law, in force since 1 August 2008. A brief overview of the events, which led to the adoption of this new discipline, is necessary to appreciate its groundbreaking nature. The normative framework will be analyzed with a view to single out its main goals, scope of application, positive outcomes, and shortcomings. In assessing the overall suitability of the envisaged control regime, reference will be made to EC antitrust law (and policy), highlighting similarities and differences between the two enforcement systems. This comparative approach is intended to act as an efficiency and effectiveness gauge from both an institutional and operational viewpoint.