'Seriously concerned & firmly opposed': Chinese Embassy in India responds to apps ban

Responding to government's decision to ban 59 mobile apps, Counselor at Chinese Embassy in India, Ji Rong stated that neighbouring nation is 'seriously concerned' and 'firmly opposed' to action taken. Rong has alleged that ban is 'selective and discriminatory' and is also t conducive to consumer interests, adding that it 'violates' WTO rules. Moreover, Chinese embassy Counselor has urged Indian government to change its 'discriminatory practices' and maintain momentum of China-India ecomic and trade cooperation. 

Issuing a statement on Tuesday, Counselor Ji Rong said, "India’s measure, selectively and discriminatorily aims at certain Chinese apps on ambiguous and far-fetched grounds, runs against fair and transparent procedure requirements, abuses national security exceptions, and suspects of violating WTO rules. It also goes against general trend of international trade and E-commerce, and is t conducive to consumer interests and market competition in India."

READ | China's Government Issues First Response After India Bans 59 Apps; 'strongly Concerned'

'Overall interests of bilateral relations'

In his statement, Rong has also claimed that ban on 59 apps will t only impact employment of local Indian workers but also interests of Indian users. Furrmore, he has called on Indian side to ackwledge 'mutually beneficial' nature of China-India ecomic and trade cooperation. "Urge Indian side to maintain momentum of China-India ecomic and trade cooperation, treat all investments and service providers equally, and create an open, fair and just business environment, while bearing in mind fundamental interests of both sides and overall interests of bilateral relations," Rong said in his statement. 

READ | Owaisi Mocks PM Modi's Extension Of Free Ration Scheme, Says 'should've Spoken On China'

India bans 59 Chinese mobile apps

 Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday banned 59 Chinese Apps including Tik-Tok. Centre stated that it has received many complaints from various sources including several reports about misuse of se apps for stealing and surreptitiously transmitting users’ data in an unauthorized manner to servers which have locations outside India. Hence, in a move to protect sovereignty of Indian Cyber and to ensure interests of crores of Indian mobile users, government has stated that this was a major blow to China’s Digital Silk Route ambitions. This move comes amid escalated tensions at Line of Actual Control (LAC).

READ | France Condoles Martyrdom Of Indian Jawans In Galwan Clash With China; Assures Support