Microsoft, partner rapped over breach of rules in console venture

The Ministry of Commerce on Tuesday pulled up global tech giant Microsoft Corp and its Chinese partner in an Xbox game console venture for breaching antitrust rules, but did not impose any serious punishment after it was found that the companies did not hinder free market competition.

Microsoft and Shanghai Oriental Pearl Media Co, known as BesTV, were fined 200,000 yuan ($31,430) each for failing to report to antitrust regulators that their joint venture exceeded a market share threshold that usually triggers a disclosure requirement.

Microsoft and BesTV formed a venture in 2013 to bring the Xbox, a video game product, to China after the government lifted a 14-year ban on consoles.