China slams India’s ban on mobile apps

ANKARA

China on Wednesday slammed the Indian move to ban 43 more mobile apps, including those with Chinese background, arguing that New Delhi has “violated market principles”.

“The ban is a violation of market principles and WTO [World Trade Organization] rules. India should immediately correct this discriminatory practice,” China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lijian Zhao told a news conference in Beijing, according to Chinese daily Global Times.

India on Tuesday banned 43 mobile apps for allegedly engaging in activities which are “prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India.”

“This action was taken based on the inputs regarding these apps for engaging in activities which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defense of India, security of state and public order,” India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology said.

Earlier today, China’s embassy in the Indian capital New Delhi said Beijing opposes the Indian side’s “repeated use of ‘national security’ as an excuse to prohibit some Mobil APPs with Chinese background.”

“We hope the India side can provides a fair, impartial and non-discriminatory business environment for all market players from various countries including China, and rectify the discriminatory practices violating WTO rules,” the embassy’s spokesman said.

In June, India had blocked dozens of mobile applications, including those with Chinese background.

The move came amid ongoing India-China tensions along the border, known as Line of Actual Control (LAC), in Ladakh area of disputed Jammu and Kashmir region.

ANKARA

China on Wednesday slammed the Indian move to ban 43 more mobile apps, including those with Chinese background, arguing that New Delhi has “violated market principles”.

India on Tuesday banned 43 mobile apps for allegedly engaging in activities which are “prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India.”

In June, India had blocked dozens of mobile applications, including those with Chinese background.

The move came amid ongoing India-China tensions along the border, known as Line of Actual Control (LAC), in Ladakh area of disputed Jammu and Kashmir region.