China opposes India's move to ban its mobile apps

BEIJING: China resolutely opposes India's measures to ban more Chinese mobile applications over national security concerns, its embassy said on Wednesday.

India banned 43 of the apps on Tuesday, including Alibaba Group Holding Ltd's e-commerce app Aliexpress, in a new wave of web sanctions amid continued tension at the border.

With the latest move, India has banned 267 apps in addition to getting countries such as the US to follow suit.

Those ordered blocked include top ones such as AliExpress, Taobao Live and Cam-Card. They join other big ones already banned such as TikTok, PUBG, UC Browser, WeChat, CamScanner, Baidu Search and Weibo in being disallowed in India.

The Indian government said the action was taken under Section 69A of the IT Act. It accused the apps of engaging in activities prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India, its defence, security and public order.

The government has decided to squeeze the influence and sway of Chinese apps in India in view of the growing tensions between the two countries, especially as they have been accused of misusing the data of Indian citizens and businesses, surveillance and engaging in anti-India activities.