Microsoft finds itself in the crosshairs of the Chinese government -- again.
Authorities say they're investigating the company for possible violation of China's anti-trust laws.
China's State Administration of Industry and Commerce visited Microsoft offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu Monday as part of the probe, according to a government statement.
U.S. technology companies are facing increased scrutiny in China as the countries trade accusations of cyberspying. In addition, the corporate environment is getting tougher -- Beijing is waging an anti-corruption drive that has hit domestic and foreign firms.
This is just the latest challenge for Microsoft in China, which has long battled rampant piracy in the country. Microsoft estimates 90% of Chinese PCs are running illegal copies of Windows software.
Earlier this year, its Windows 8 operating system was banned from all government computers. And a long-standing ban on sales of Microsoft's Xbox -- and other foreign games consoles -- was only lifted this year.
Because the firm doesn't break out its China revenues, it's hard to determine exactly how much might be at stake for Microsoft.
Last year, Qualcomm was also targeted in a similar probe. The company said China was looking into the company's licensing business, and that the investigation had hurt revenues.
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