高艳东、刘一岑：价格法修订，筑牢“反内卷”关键防线

Core Viewpoint - The recent revision of the Price Law in China aims to address the issue of "involution" in market competition, particularly in the context of food delivery platforms and other sectors, by implementing stricter regulations on pricing strategies and promoting fair competition [1][2]. Group 1: Background and Context - The "subsidy war" among food delivery platforms has brought "involution" competition into public view, prompting the government to take significant reform measures to optimize market competition order [1]. - The Price Law, in effect since 1998, has played a crucial role in guiding resource allocation and protecting consumer rights, and its first revision is intended to meet new economic demands and challenges posed by digital and platform economies [1][2]. Group 2: Key Changes in the Price Law - The revision includes ten main points focusing on improving government pricing regulations, clarifying standards for identifying unfair pricing behaviors, and enhancing legal responsibilities for price violations [2]. - The revised law aims to regulate typical issues such as predatory pricing, price discrimination, and price gouging, thereby addressing the negative impacts of "involution" competition [2]. Group 3: Impacts on Consumers and Labor - The revision shifts the role of consumers from passive recipients to active participants in the pricing process, allowing them to influence pricing mechanisms through feedback [3]. - It aims to better protect the rights of workers, particularly in flexible employment sectors, by curbing harmful price wars and encouraging companies to invest in research and development instead of low-price competition [4]. Group 4: Adaptation to New Economic Realities - The revision responds to emerging pricing issues in the digital economy, such as algorithmic pricing discrimination and forced choices by platforms, by incorporating new regulatory measures [5]. - It emphasizes the shared responsibility of platform companies in pricing practices, aiming to protect smaller businesses and foster innovation in the market [5][6]. Group 5: Long-term Goals - The Price Law revision is seen as a critical step in establishing a robust defense against "involution," promoting high-quality economic development by encouraging innovation and efficient resource allocation [6]. - By enhancing market competition and encouraging companies to focus on technological advancements, the revision aims to transition China's industrial competitiveness from scale advantages to technological advantages [6].