China probes Microsoft's 'monopoly' actions

[SHANGHAI] China is investigating Microsoft for allegedly operating a monopoly in its market, the government said yesterday, as it took aim at the US software giant over business practices.

The move makes the company the latest foreign firm to face Beijing's scrutiny, in fields from computing to baby milk. "According to legal regulations, the SAIC (State Administration for Industry and Commerce) has set up a case to investigate Microsoft for alleged monopoly actions," the agency said in statement on its website.

The inquiry centres on its Windows operating system - which is used on the vast majority of computers in China - and the Office suite of programs, the statement said.

An earlier inspection last year considered allegations by companies that Microsoft bundled its products for sale and failed to disclose information about the software, causing problems with compat…