Chinese App Ban: China says its against WTO norms

China has expressed strict objections to India’s ban on 59 mobile apps linked to China amidst ongoing tension in eastern Ladakh. Chinese Embassy spokesman in India Ji Rong said on Tuesday (June 30) that China is thinking very seriously on this issue and strongly opposes India’s decision. Along with this, the spokesperson said that this step of India is also a violation of World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.

Earlier, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian reacted to the ban on Chinese apps in India, saying, “China is extremely concerned about the notice issued by India. We are investigating and confirming the situation. “He said,” I want to emphasize that the Chinese government always asks its businessmen to abide by international rules, local laws and regulations abroad.”

Lijian said, “It is the responsibility of the Indian government to protect the legitimate and legal rights of all external investors, including the Chinese.” A spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that the practical cooperation between China and India actually has advantages for both. He said that such incidents will cause harm and it is not in the interest of the Indian side.

59 apps related to China banned in India

India had banned 59 apps on Monday (29 June), including the extremely popular TikTok and UC Browser. These sanctions are imposed amidst the current tense situation with Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control in the Ladakh region. The banned list includes WeChat, Bigo Live, Hello, Likey, Cam Scanner, Wego Video, MI Video Call – Xiaomi, MI Community, Clash of Kings as well as e-commerce platforms Club Factory and Shein.

The IT ministry said in an official statement released on Monday (June 29) that it had received several complaints from various sources, including several reports about the misuse of some mobile apps available on Android and iOS platforms. These reports state that these apps steal users’ data, send them secretly to servers located outside India.

“The compilation, investigation and profiling of these figures by elements hostile to India’s national security ultimately leads to India’s sovereignty and integrity, which is a matter of great concern,” the statement said. Emergency measures are needed against. ”The Ministry of Information Technology decided to ban these apps using its powers under Section 69A of the IT Act and Rules.