Introduction

This book has sought to examine and explain the prevailing competition regimes in Greater China. A theoretical explanation of the existing states of affairs in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan that is robust has been offered in the last chapter. The final matter to be addressed is what is likely to happen, in the near-term future, in competition matters in each of the three jurisdictions. Clearly, this author does not pretend to be able to foretell the future of competition regulation in Greater China but it is possible to extrapolate from the present position, based on the most recent intelligence, in each jurisdiction to offer a reasonable prognosis of the most likely developments.

However, on the assumption that the author's hypothesis is a valid explanation of the existing situation in Greater China, it would seem apparent that without the adoption of a functioning democracy, effective competition regulation is impossible. Whilst that is indeed the author's contention, some measures may be able to be taken to attempt to ameliorate the situation, though in the final analysis fundamental political change is the only viable route to achieve an effective competition policy in both China and Hong Kong. The exception to this radical prescription is clearly Taiwan, where less drastic measures are necessary to ensure that an existing working system of competition regulation continues to develop and improve through experience, reflection and adaptation.

China

In China, the obstacles to achieving a better competitive regime based on law are formidable.