Jakarta, ThedailyID — Chinese regulators have imposed a 5.18 billion yuan (US$765 million) penalty on Trip.com Group, accusing the country’s largest online travel platform of violating antitrust laws.
The sanction includes the confiscation of 1.66 billion yuan in illegal gains and an additional 3.52 billion yuan fine, according to the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR).
The decision follows an investigation launched in January 2026 into allegations that Trip.com abused its dominant market position. CNN Indonesia first reported the development, citing official statements from Chinese authorities.
SAMR concluded that the company engaged in anti-competitive practices by signing exclusive agreements with hotels, preventing some accommodation providers from listing their services on competing booking platforms.
“These actions excluded or restricted competition in the relevant market, harmed the interests of hotel operators and consumers, and hindered the orderly and healthy development of the industry,” SAMR said in a statement.
The penalty marks the latest step in Beijing’s continued effort to tighten regulatory oversight of major technology companies. Chinese authorities previously launched a sweeping antitrust campaign against Alibaba in late 2020.
Trip.com, which operates online booking services for flights, trains, and hotels both domestically and internationally, said it accepted the regulator’s decision.
In a statement posted on WeChat, the company pledged to use the penalty as an opportunity to reform its business practices.
“We regard this penalty as an opportunity for deep reflection and transformation. We will firmly abandon inefficient and destructive competitive practices,” the company said.
Trip.com added that it would strengthen compliance measures and improve its operations in line with China’s competition laws.
