Apple store in Shanghai, China, where the iPhone 15 was released on September 22nd. /Reuters Yonhap News
Foreign media reported that the Chinese government’s ban on foreign brand electronic devices is expanding.
Citing multiple sources, Bloomberg News reported on the 15th (local time) that in the past one to two months, at least eight state-owned enterprises and government ministries in China have instructed their employees to use only domestic brand electronic devices. It is said that the ‘ban’ issued last September prohibiting central government officials from using iPhones for work has made significant progress.
Bloomberg reported this month that eight provinces, including central Hebei Province, where the world’s largest iPhone factory is located, as well as Zhejiang, Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Anhui provinces with high income levels, have issued such guidelines. “It’s unclear exactly how many government agencies have issued guidelines or how widespread they are,” Bloomberg said. “Some ban the use of Apple devices in the workplace, while others ban their use entirely.”
Bloomberg analyzed that the intention behind these guidelines is to weaken the influence of foreign technologies and boost domestic brands, including Huawei. “This could pose a major challenge for Samsung and Apple as they struggle to sustain growth in key markets,” Bloomberg said. “Apple makes most of its devices in China and generates a fifth of its revenue there.” He said.
Previously, the Chinese government officially denied the iPhone ban but pointed out security issues with the iPhone. In September, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said, “China has not issued any laws, regulations or policy documents prohibiting the purchase and use of foreign brand mobile phones such as Apple,” adding, “Recently, we have seen many media outlets reporting security incidents related to the iPhone. “We are paying attention,” he said.
2023-12-17 12:33:44
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