Chief executive of Microsoft Corp. Satya Nadella plans to visit China to settle issues with the Chines government regarding an antitrust investigation into one of the world's largest software company.
It's still unclear whether Nadella will meet Chinese government officials or if he will meet with the State Administration for Industry and Commerce regulators. A spokesman for Microsoft said that he would not confirm the visit, as the company does not comment on executive travel plans.
Microsoft is one of the companies currently being pressured to submit to a 2008 anti-monopoly law, which some believe is intended to put pressure on overseas businesses.
Last week, Qualcomm Inc. president Derek Aberle met with China's National Development and Reform Commission to end the company's own anti trust scrutiny.
The state administration for Industry and Commerce opened its case in June after Microsoft failed to provide all of its documentation for its Windows operating system and Office software.
"The administration believes the previous investigation cannot eliminate that Microsoft engaged in monopolistic behavior," the agency said on its website. "The administration has launched an investigation of Microsoft's monopolistic behavior."
Microsoft countered by saying that their goal is "to build products that deliver the features, security and reliability customers expect, and we will address any concerns the government may have."
Many foreign technology suppliers are facing much pressure from Chinese regulators. The agency plans to examine foreign products for security flaws.
Although China is working overtime to regulate foreign products, it is a fact that they heavily rely on foreign software and communications technology. The country's leaders have expressed distaste for the high prices that foreign technology come with, and therefore are investing billions of dollars into producing their own software and phones.
This strengthened effort comes after former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden revealed the possibility of U.S. government surveillance in cooperation with technology companies.
