Car-hailing companies' subsidies unfair competition, minister says

The minister of transport criticized car-hailing app operators on Monday for the subsidies they offer to users, describing the practice as unfair competition.

Yang Chuantang also pledged to better regulate paid rides offered by private car drivers.

Speaking at a news conference in Beijing, he said the subsidies are a short-term tactic to gain a bigger market share. "The apps are profit-driven and the subsidies will not be handed out forever," he said.