China Refutes Claims of Banning Apple's iPhone

• Apple
• iPhone

In response to recent media reports suggesting that Apple's iPhone had been banned in China, a government spokesperson has unequivocally stated that no such laws or rules have been issued. This debunking comes in the wake of a Wall Street Journal report stating that China had barred the use of iPhones by central government officials, which resulted in a significant drop in Apple's shares.

"China hasn't issued any laws or rules to ban the use of iPhones or any other foreign phone brand." - Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning.

Open Arms for Foreign Companies

During a press conference in Beijing, Mao Ning, the spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stressed that China has always welcomed foreign companies and encouraged them to participate in the country's economic growth. This statement contradicts earlier reports that implied a negative attitude towards mobile devices made by foreign companies.

Security Concerns and Data Privacy

While denying the alleged ban, Mao Ning highlighted that China is aware of various media reports concerning security incidents involving Apple's iPhone. The country, she said, values information and cyber security highly. She further urged foreign cellphone companies operating in China to adhere strictly to the country's privacy laws and ensure that individuals or organizations do not steal data stored in their customers' phones.

Apple's Market in China

Apple has a significant presence in China, where one-fifth of its total revenue was generated through sales last year. Although the company does not disclose specific iPhone sales figures by country, research firm TechInsights estimates that sales in China surpassed those in the United States last quarter. Additionally, most iPhones are manufactured in Chinese factories, emphasizing the strong connection between Apple and China.