Chinese authorities have repeatedly called for an end to the "race to the bottom" battle among food delivery platforms, according to a report from Inside Retail Asia.
The government's stance targets what it calls "irrational competition" — a price war that has seen platforms like Meituan and Ele.me heavily subsidize orders to gain market share, often at the expense of profitability and rider welfare. Officials have warned that such practices harm the long-term health of the industry and distort market dynamics.
The regulatory push is part of broader efforts by Beijing to curb monopolistic behavior and improve working conditions in the platform economy. Analysts say the crackdown may force delivery companies to shift focus from growth-at-all-costs to sustainable operations, potentially leading to higher delivery fees for consumers.