China’s antitrust regulator has imposed a substantial fine of US$770 million on online travel agency Trip.com. The penalty stems from an investigation revealing anti-competitive practices, specifically a monopoly in the hotel-booking market. Regulators found Trip.com leveraged its market position – including traffic control, platform regulations, and technological advantages – to secure exclusive agreements with hotels. These deals compelled hotels to offer the lowest prices exclusively on Trip.com’s platform. This behaviour restricted competition and disadvantaged other players in the online travel sector. The fine signals China’s continued commitment to enforcing antitrust laws and curbing monopolistic tendencies within its tech industry. The outcome is expected to impact Trip.com's operations and potentially reshape the landscape of China’s online travel market.