CHINA today denied there was a ban on officials purchasing or using foreign phones, including iPhones, after reports said Beijing was prohibiting civil servants from using Apple handsets.

“China has not issued any laws, regulations, and policy documents prohibiting the purchase and use of foreign-brand smartphones, including iPhone,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning told a regular briefing.

“We always have an open attitude towards foreign-funded enterprises,” she said.

Apple shares fell sharply last week following reports of significant Chinese restrictions on iPhones at government offices and state-backed entities.

The Wall Street Journal first reported China had barred the use of Apple smartphones in central government agencies.

That was followed by a Bloomberg News story China planned to expand the ban to government-backed agencies and state companies, broadening the effect of the policy in a centrally planned economy.

Mao said today, however, China “treats both domestic and foreign-funded enterprises in the same way and on an equal footing”.

“The Chinese government attaches great importance to information and cybersecurity,” she said. – AFP, September 13, 2023.