Microsoft has 20 days to explain itself to China’s anti-trust investigators

Chinese authorities have issued a 20-day deadline for Microsoft to explain “compatibility problems” with its Windows and Office software, after previously warning the company not to obstruct an anti-monopoly investigation. China’s State Administration for Industry and Commerce (SAIC) posted an online notice Monday demanding that Microsoft offer a written explanation within the allotted time. The antitrust regulator has been investigating the company on industry complaints that Microsoft software has “not been fully open,” resulting in compatibility and bundling issues with the products.

Things aren’t looking all that good for Microsoft in China as it comes under close scrutiny by the government for antitrust issues. Authorities visited Microsoft’s offices in July and have targeted the company since last month for alleged monopolistic practices relating to compatibility issues for its Windows operating system and Office software. The latest development in the saga comes in the form of a statement issued today by a Chinese government agency, the State Administration for Industry and Commerce (SAIC), demanding that Microsoft explain itself within 20 days (as spotted by Reuters). The SAIC said it believes Microsoft hasn’t fully disclosed information that lead to compatibility problems for Windows and Office, as well as other related issues. China has made no secret about its concerns over the security of the Windows 8 operating system in the recent past. In response, Microsoft told TNW in a statement: “We’re serious about complying with China’s laws and committed to addressing SAIC’s questions and concerns.” This hints that Microsoft will be adhering to the demands for a written explanation within the deadline given, in the hope that it will put an end to this latest bout of trouble plaguing it in China.