China's Antitrust Watchdog to Step Up Investigations

In response to escalating US export restrictions, China's antitrust regulators are set to ramp up investigations into US tech deals, according to a report by The Information on Tuesday. The report cites people familiar with the matter, suggesting that Beijing is considering reviewing other significant transactions following the recent probe into Nvidia's 2020 acquisition of Mellanox Technologies.

Among the deals reportedly under consideration for review is Synopsys' $35 billion acquisition of Ansys. Additionally, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) is reexamining past mergers, such as Coherent's deals involving Finisar, citing potential breaches of approval terms.

Tensions with Incoming US Administration

One source noted that the decision to announce additional investigations will largely depend on how tensions escalate with the incoming Trump administration. US President-elect Trump has threatened to impose significant tariffs on China once he assumes office, which could further strain relations between the two economic giants.