Chinese regulators have launched an antitrust probe into Qualcomm as the country gears up for the launch of high-speed LTE networks, a market where the US company has become an early leader and owns important patents.

Qualcomm disclosed the investigation, by China’s National Development and Reform Commission, on Monday. It said the probe involved the country’s Anti-Monopoly Law, though it was “not aware of any charge” by the regulators that it had broken the law.

The disclosure, which wiped nearly 2 per cent from Qualcomm’s shares in early trading, came as the Chinese authorities laid out more assertive plans for antitrust enforcement. State media reported on Monday that the NDRC will broaden price-related antitrust investigations launched earlier this year to include six new industries – aerospace, medicine, cars, household chemicals, telecommunications and household appliances. It was not clear if the Qualcomm case was part of this widening.