State anti-monopoly advisor fired after endorsing Qualcomm  

Zhang Xinzhu (file photo)

Beijing (ECNS) – A member of the anti-monopoly commission under China's State Council was removed from his position after receiving remuneration from Qualcomm Inc. and providing so-called evidence showing the company didn't hold a monopoly on the Chinese market.

Zhang Xinzhu, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, was reportedly fired by the State Council for disciplinary violations on Monday. But Zhang said the real reason was that he defended foreign companies.

An insider said on Wednesday that Zhang worked for Qualcomm while holding a position at the state anti-monopoly commission at the same time. "Zhang violated the commission's work discipline," the insider added.

Some analysts said Zhang's dismissal may indicate China's probe into Qualcomm is drawing to a close.

China's authorities began an anti-monopoly probe into Qualcomm's business last December. The company later filed a research report that Zhang participated in as a second author, saying its pricing in China was fair.

Several carmakers and Microsoft also fell under anti-monopoly investigations in the past month.