Food delivery riders brave the rain to fulfill deliveries for customers in Beijing on August 27, 2025. The Chinese capital city reported heavy rain on the day, with some places seeing torrential rain. Photo: VCG

　　The anti-monopoly and anti-unfair competition body of China"s market supervision authority has formally launched an investigation into market competition conditions in the food delivery platform sector to curb cutthroat "rat race" competition, according to an official announcement on Friday.

　　The decision, made in accordance with the Anti-Monopoly Law, aims to address growing concerns over unhealthy competitive practices that have intensified in recent months on food delivery platforms, said the General Office of the Anti-Monopoly and Anti-Unfair Competition Commission, according to a statement released by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR).

　　China has attached high importance to the innovative and healthy development of the platform economy. The food delivery sector, as a vital part of China"s platform economy, has significantly contributed to stimulating consumption, expanding employment and fostering innovation, said the statement.

　　However, it also pointed out that excessive subsidies, aggressive price wars and traffic monopolization have become prominent issues. These practices have squeezed profits in the real economy, exacerbated "rat race" competition within the industry and sparked widespread public discontent.

　　The investigation seeks to promote lawful and compliant operations, ensure fair and orderly competition and cultivate a market environment based on quality-driven pricing and healthy rivalry. The probe will employ multiple methods to thoroughly examine the competitive behavior of food delivery platforms.