China expresses strong concern, says move ‘discriminatory’; Tiktok goes offline in India

BEIJING/NEW DELHI: A day after India banned 59 apps with Chinese links for engaging in activities which are “prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity” of the country, China on Tuesday voiced strong concern over the move, and said that the move was discriminatory and the Indian government has the responsibility to uphold the “legitimate and legal rights” of international investors.

India on Monday banned 59 apps with Chinese links, including the hugely popular Tiktok and UC Browser, for engaging in “activities which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of

India, defence of India, security of state and public order”. The ban also comes in the backdrop of the current stand-off along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh with Chinese troops. Reacting to India’s ban of the Chinese apps at a Chinese Foreign Ministry briefing here, spokesman Zhao Lijian said,”china has noted the press release issued by the Indian side with strong concern and is now verifying the situation.”

“I want to stress that the Chinese government always asks the Chinese businesses to abide by international rules, local laws and regulations in their business cooperation with foreign countries,” he said.

“The Indian government has the responsibility to uphold the legitimate and legal rights of the international investors including the Chinese ones, he added. In New Delhi, Chinese embassy Spokesperson Counselor Ji Rong said, “Related apps have a large number of users in India, have been operating strictly in accordance with Indian laws and regulations, and provide efficient and fast services for Indian consumers, creators and entrepreneurs.”

“The ban will affect not only the employment of local Indian workers who support these apps, but also the interests of Indian users and the employment and livelihoods of many creators and entrepreneurs,” Ji added. Asserting that practical cooperation between China and India is mutually beneficial and winwin, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said, “deliberate interference in such cooperation will not serve the interests of the Indian side.”

The list of apps that have been banned by India also includes Helo, Likee, Cam Scanner, Vigo

Video, Mi Video Call Xiaomi, Clash of Kings as well as e-commerce platforms Club Factory and Shein.

Meanwhile, Tiktok on Tuesday said it is in the process of complying with the government’s order on blocking of the app, and asserted that it has not shared information of Indian users with any foreign government, including that of China. The short video-sharing company said it has been invited to meet with concerned government stakeholders for an opportunity to respond and submit clarifications.

Tiktok app has been taken down from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.