"India's Decision To Ban 43 Chinese Apps Violates WTO Rules": China Opposes New Delhi's Move

China's remarks came a day after India imposed a fresh ban on as many as 43 Chinese-origin apps, the fourth time it has done so ever since both nations got involved in a military standoff in Ladakh.

(Representative Image/ Getty)

New Delhi: Reacting strongly to India's yet another digital strike on 43 Chinese mobile applications, Beijing on Wednesday  opposed Indian government's decision and contended that the move violated the rules of the World trade Organization (WTO). China's remarks came a day after India imposed a fresh ban on as many as 43 Chinese-origin apps, the fourth time it has done so ever since both nations got involved in a military standoff in Ladakh sector of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) earlier this year. “We firmly oppose the Indian side’s repeated use of ‘national security’ as an excuse to prohibit some mobile apps with Chinese background,” said Chinese embassy spokesperson Ji Rong. Ji also asked India to withdraw the ban on the ground that it went against the WTO’s rules. "We hope the Indian side 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 Chinese leader said. China has also urged the government to restore the trade relations for mutual benefit. "China and India are the opportunities of development to each other rather than threats. Both sides should bring bilateral economic and trade relations back to the right path for mutual benefit and win-win results on the basis of dialogue and negotiation," said an official statement issued by the Chinese embassy in New Delhi. The embassy was responding to a media query related the Indian government's decision to block the usage of 43 mobile applications with Chinese background including AliExpress, DingTalk, etc. The embassy further claimed that the Chinese government has "always required overseas Chinese companies to abide by international rules, operate in compliance with laws and regulations and conform to public order and good morals." The statement comes at a time when India and China remain locked in a stand-off along the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh since June. India has taken several diplomatic measures in retaliation to the Chinese aggression, including banning of Chinese applications over data security issues. Meanwhile, the eighth round of talks of the India-China senior military commanders were held in Chushulon on November 6 to ensure complete disengagement and full restoration of peace and tranquility along the LAC in the Western Sector. Both countries have agreed to continue their dialogue and communication through military and diplomatic channels.