China has banned its government officials from using Apple iPhones or other foreign-brand smartphones for work or bring them into the office, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The move is the latest under the autocratic control of the Chinese Communist Party led by Xi Jinping to ostensibly curb sensitive information transfers outside of China’s borders.
The degree to which these commands were distributed is unknown, but similar letters were delivered to staff of certain central government regulatory organizations, according to the study.
China is one of Apple’s most important markets, accounting for 19% of total revenue.
Beijing has for years prohibited government officials in specified agencies from using iPhones
It should be remembered that Beijing has for years prohibited government officials in specified agencies from using iPhones for business purposes. However, according to the Wall Street Journal, these limits have now been expanded, reflecting Beijing and Washington’s tit-for-tat activities over technology products and research.
China’s limitations are consistent with previous limits in the United States, such as those imposed on Huawei and Chinese-owned TikTok, as both Beijing and Washington battle with data security worries amid a warming in diplomatic ties.
In the face of rising rivalry with the United States, Chinese President Xi Jinping has used national security as justification for expanding state monitoring of data and digital activity. China began a significant update to its anti-espionage legislation in July.
Beijing has encouraged its agencies and state-owned firms to replace foreign technology, like as computers, operating systems, and software, with domestically created alternatives deemed secure and controllable.
