China has opened a market competition assessment into its food delivery platforms, reports Hong Kong's South China Morning Post. Analysts said the move underlined Beijing's determination to curb self-defeating practices in the sector.

The Anti-Monopoly and Anti-Unfair Competition Commission of the State Council stated that excessive subsidies, price wars, and control over traffic flow have become prominent problems in the industry. It warned that such practices are squeezing the real economy and intensifying what it calls 'involutionary' competition.

The commission indicated that the probe would include on-site inspections, interviews, and questionnaires to build a detailed picture of market behavior. It added that views would be sought from merchants, workers, and consumers using the platforms.