Microsoft offices in four Chinese cities are being investigated by China's State Administration for Industry and Commerce (SAIC), the agency responsible for legislation concerning the administration of industry and commerce.

Chinese media reports said it's an indication of an impending anti-trust investigation. Microsoft said they will address any government concerns.

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For some months, Microsoft has been criticized by Chinese media for allegedly helping the U.S. government spy on China.

Investigators from SAIC visited the Chengdu, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai offices of Microsoft. 

David Cuddy, a spokesman for Microsoft said, "We aim to build products that deliver the features, security and reliability customers expect, and we will address any concerns the government may have."

Microsoft will actively cooperate with the government authorities, said Joan Li, Microsoft China spokeswoman, in a story published by the South China Morning Post.

Officials from SAIC did not also disclose further details about their visit or when they intend to start an investigation.

In May, Windows 8 was banned by Beijing after China Central Television (CCTV) ran a program suggesting that Windows 8 is being used to spy on Chinese citizens.

CCTV also said the iPhone is a threat to national security because of a featured function called "Frequent Locations".

A story in the Global Times tabloid urges the Chinese Communist Party, the government and military to stop using Apple products altogether.

TagsMicrosoft investigation, Micrsoft beijing, Microsoft China, Fang Xingdong, China Central Television, Windows 8