China Says India Retaining Ban on TikTok, 57 Other Apps May Damage 'Bilateral Relationship'
News 18After reports said that India may retain its ban on video app TikTok and 58 other Chinese apps after reviewing responses from the companies on issues such as compliance and privacy, China said the moves carried out “under the excuse of national security” were in violation of WTO principles and fair trade. Rong said the Chinese government always asked Chinese companies to observe international rules and local laws and regulations when doing business overseas, and that the moves of the Indian government had “hindered” the improvement of the Indian business environment. “The Indian government has the responsibility to follow WTO rules and market principles and protect the legitimate rights and interests of international investors including Chinese companies,” he said, while making a case for “mutually beneficial” China-India economic and trade cooperation. In September, India banned another 118 mobile apps, including Tencent’s popular videogame PUBG, as it stepped up the pressure on Chinese technology companies following the standoff at the border.