China's top market regulator has described its investigation into Qualcomm's unapproved acquisition of Autotalks as a routine law enforcement activity conducted under the country's anti-monopoly law.

According to an official with the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), the authority intervened although the deal fell below standard notification thresholds, as it had evidence the merger could have an anti-competitive effect.

SAMR notified Qualcomm in writing on March 12, 2024, to file the concentration for review and not to proceed with the transaction until it was cleared.

Qualcomm stated in a letter two days later that it would abandon the transaction, but proceeded to complete the acquisition in June 2025 without any filing or communication with the regulator, said the official.

Following new complaints, SAMR verified the facts, which Qualcomm acknowledged, leading the regulator to formally open a case for the illegal implementation of a concentration of undertakings.

SAMR will continue to advance the investigation in an objective and impartial manner in accordance with laws and regulations, the official added.