China has rebuked India's move to block another 43 mobile apps developed by Chinese tech vendors as "glaring violation" of international rules. It also decries the UK government's new security law, threatening hefty fines for telcos that use Huawei Technologies' 5G equipment, for breaching free trade rules and eroding "mutual trust" between both countries.
The Chinese Embassy in India said it "firmly oppose" the Indian government's repeated attempts at using national security as "an excuse" to prohibit Chinese mobile apps. It said in a statement Wednesday that it had always required Chinese companies operating overseas to adhere to and ensure compliance with international laws and regulations. They also should conform to public order and "good morals", it said.
The embassy's rebuke came after India earlier this week expanded its ban to include[1] another 43 Chinese apps, including AliExpress, DingTalk, MangoTV, and Taobao Live. This had followed a previous ban of 59 mobile apps[2] that had included TikTok, WeiBo, and WeChat.
India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology said: "This action was taken based on the inputs regarding these apps for engaging in activities that are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state, and public order."
The country had begun blocking its citizens from using Chinese mobile apps in June, following a border clash[3] between Indian and Chinese soldiers that resulted in the death of 20 Indian soldiers and scores others injured.
The Chinese Embassy, though, called for its India counterparts to provide a "fair, impartial, and non-discriminatory" business environment for all market players, including China. It added that India's "discriminatory practices" were in violation of World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules.
"China and India should bring bilateral economic and trade relations back to