It said it told them to make rectifications as there had been concerns over how they had increased membership fees and also engaged in cut-price competition.

The ministry also said it issued "reminders" to four ride-hailing firms including Didi Chuxing, Geely's Caocao Mobility and Meituan over protecting the rights of ride-hailing drivers and ensuring stable operations over the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday.

(Reporting by Josh Horwitz; Editing by Himani Sarkar)