China sets Microsoft deadline for tying Windows to Office

China gives Microsoft 20 days to come up with answers about bundling Office with Windows. The authorities agreed that on Monday after a conversation with Microsoft.

Government officials spoke to Microsoft Vice President David Chen in China on Monday. They asked about the technology company’s alleged monopoly practices and wanted to hear an explanation. Microsoft can now give this within twenty days, according to state news agency Xinhua, in which it can also defend itself against the charges in writing.

According to the news agency, China is investigating the tying of Windows with Office and the verification codes used for it, although more concrete details are lacking. Microsoft allegedly violated Chinese law with the tying. The software giant says it wants to cooperate with the investigation and will answer the questions.

In July, the Chinese government completed a competition investigation into another US company, Qualcomm. China ruled that the chip giant had a monopoly on the chip market. The company would ask too much money for licenses. By now, a solution would be within reach.