BEIJING: China’s Foreign Ministry said on Friday that products and services from any country are welcome in China as long as they are in line with Chinese laws and regulations, responding to US media reports claiming that China is “restricting” use of Apple’s iPhones by government officials.
Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the ministry, noted that China’s open attitude is in stark contrast to crackdown and containment policies targeting Chinese businesses imposed by “certain countries.” Mao also expressed firm opposition to a reported investigation by the US into advanced Chinese chips, stressing that crackdowns will only strengthen China’s resolve and ability to pursue technological self-reliance and innovation.
Western media outlets have been hyping so-called “widening curbs on iPhone use by government workers.” Reuters reported on Friday that such “curbs” have raised concerns among US lawmakers and fanned fears that US tech companies heavily exposed to China could take a hit from rising tensions between the countries.
Reuters also cited Mike Gallagher, chairman of the US House of Representatives’ so-called Select Committee on China, as saying that the “curbs” are not “surprising” and they show China is attempting to restrict a Western market access to China.
Asked about the reported claims at a regular press briefing on Friday, Mao said that China has always promoted high-level opening-up. “Products and services from any country are welcome to enter the Chinese market as long as they comply with Chinese laws and regulations,” Mao said.
In a pointed reference, the spokesperson further noted that “this is fundamentally different from the abuse and disguise of the so-called ‘security’ concept by certain countries to suppress and contain Chinese companies.”
US officials and media outlets have been hyping unsubstantiated claims regarding the iPhone’s performances in the Chinese market and promoting possible suppression of Chinese firms like Huawei, after the Chinese telecom giant released its Mate 60 Pro series, whose technological breakthrough has garnered widespread attention.
However, further US crackdowns targeting Huawei and other Chinese tech firms will not slow China’s technological advances and will further damage the interests of US companies, analysts said.
At the press briefing, Mao was also asked about reports of the US investigating China’s advanced chips. China firmly opposes the US’ politicization of economic, trade, technological issues, and the abuse and generalization of state power. The US’ abuse of its state power in unreasonably suppressing Chinese firms violates free trade principles, undermines the stability of the global production and supply chain, and harms others while not benefiting itself.
“What I want to stress is that sanctions, containment, and crackdowns will not stop China’s development, but will only strengthen China’s determination and ability to be self-reliant and technologically innovative,” Mao said.
