HONG KONG (AP) — The Chinese government’s move to open an antitrust probe into Google is the latest development in a long and tangled relationship that goes back to the early 2000s.

China's antitrust investigation into Google, which does not offer most of its consumer-facing services including search and email in the country, seems to make little sense on the surface, but analysts said the move could be seen as a warning shot to the US and a threat to the Android operating system.

China has initiated an antitrust investigation into Google, primarily targeting the Android operating system. This could be a strategic warning to Washington amidst ongoing trade tensions. The investigation is also focused on removing restrictions imposed on Chinese smartphone makers.