"iPhone Ban" in China: Criticism of US "Suppressing Chinese Companies"

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs avoided directly confirming reports that authorities issued a 'ban on iPhone use' to public officials, instead criticizing U.S. sanctions on Chinese companies as the real issue.

On January 7, 2019 (local time), pedestrians are using their phones outside the Apple Store in Beijing. [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 8th, Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responded at a regular briefing to the question, "How do you view the statement by the chairman of the U.S. House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party that 'China's ban on iPhone use is an attempt to restrict U.S. companies' market access and promote the development of Chinese firms'?" He replied, "As long as any country's goods or services comply with Chinese regulations, we welcome their entry into the Chinese market." He added, "China has consistently and firmly promoted a high level of opening-up to the outside world," emphasizing that "this is fundamentally different from individual countries abusing the so-called 'national security' concept and public opinion to suppress and contain Chinese companies."

On the 6th, the U.S. Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that some civil servants affiliated with Chinese government agencies recently received orders not to use or bring foreign brand devices, including Apple’s iPhones, to work. The following day, Bloomberg News cited sources saying that Chinese authorities plan to extend the 'iPhone ban' imposed on certain sensitive government departments to state-owned enterprises and others. After reports of the 'ban' surfaced, Apple’s market capitalization evaporated by $189.7 billion (approximately 253 trillion won) within two days in the stock market.

On the same day, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the U.S. Department of Commerce for beginning an investigation into whether Huawei’s new smartphone, the Mate 60 Pro ? from China’s largest telecommunications equipment company and a sanctioned entity ? violated sanctions, calling it an "unfair crackdown." Mao Ning stated, "We have consistently opposed the politicization of economic, trade, science, and technology issues and the abuse of the 'national security' concept." He asserted, "The United States is arbitrarily suppressing Chinese companies, violating the principles of free trade and international economic and trade rules, and disrupting the stability of global production and supply chains."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.