India's banning of Chinese apps in violation of WTO rules: Chinese Embassy

Issuing a statement on India's blocking "certain Chinese mobile apps", a spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in India, 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 the WTO rules."

The World Trade Organization is an intergovernmental organization that is concerned with the regulation of international trade between nations

"It also goes against the general trend of international trade and E-commerce, and is not conducive to consumer interests and the market competition in India," the statement said.

The Chinese side is seriously concerned with and firmly opposed to such action, it said.

"Related apps have a large number of users in India, have been operating strictly in accordance with Indian laws and regulations, and provide efficient and fast services for Indian consumers, creators and entrepreneurs. The ban will affect not only the employment of local Indian workers who support these apps, but also the interests of Indian users and the employment and livelihoods of many creators and entrepreneurs," it said.

"We expect India acknowledges the mutually beneficial nature of China-India economic and trade cooperation, and urge the Indian side to change its discriminatory practices, maintain the momentum of China-India economic and trade cooperation, treat all investments and service providers equally, and create an open, fair and just business environment, while bearing in mind the fundamental interests of both sides and the overall interests of bilateral relations," the statement said.

India on Monday banned 59 apps with Chinese links including the very popular TikTok and UC Browser in the wake of the deadly faceoff with China in Ladakh on June 15 which left 20 Indian soldiers martyred.

In a statement, the government said the apps were blocked "in view the information available (that) they are engaged in activities which is prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order."

The Centre noted that there have been raging concerns on aspects relating to data security and safeguarding the privacy of 130 crore Indians.

"The Ministry of Information Technology has received many complaints from various sources including several reports about misuse of some mobile apps available on Android and iOS platforms for stealing and surreptitiously transmitting users’ data in an unauthorized manner to servers which have locations outside India," the Indian statement said.