China to investigate Google amid US antitrust case, potential retaliation for tariffs

China has launched an antitrust investigation into Google, adding to the tech giant’s legal challenges as it faces a major lawsuit in the United States. While details of China’s probe remain unclear, the move comes shortly after newly elected US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on China, suggesting this could be a retaliatory measure.
Google is under pressure in the US
In the United States, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to request that a federal judge order Google to divest its Chrome web browser following an August ruling that found the company had illegally monopolized the search market. Other proposed restrictions include AI-related rules, Android limitations, and new data licensing requirements.
Chrome, which holds 61% of the US browser market, is central to Google’s business model, collecting user data for targeted advertising and AI integration. Publishers have raised concerns that Google’s AI-driven search features are reducing their website traffic and ad revenue.
The DOJ is pushing for Google to divest Chrome and impose restrictions on AI and Android.
Google warns that these regulatory actions could harm innovation and consumer choice.
The remedies phase of the US antitrust case is scheduled for April, during which Google’s business could face major restructuring.