NEW DELHI : The Chinese Embassy in India stated Wednesday (Jan 27) that China firmly opposes Indian move to continue to ban 59 mobile apps with Chinese background.

In response to a media query on media reports that India will continue to ban mobile apps with Chinese background, Spokesperson of China's embassy in India Counselor Ji Rong said such moves "in violation of WTO non-discriminatory principles and fair competition principles of market economy severely damage the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies."

"The Chinese side firmly opposes them," said the spokesperson.

Noting that China-India economic and trade cooperation is mutually beneficial by nature, the spokesperson urged the Indian side "to immediately correct its discriminatory measures and avoid causing further damage to bilateral cooperation."

"The Chinese government always asks Chinese companies to observe international rules and local laws and regulations when doing business overseas," she said.

"The Indian government has the responsibility to follow WTO rules and market principles and protect the legitimate rights and interests of international investors including Chinese companies."

"Since last year, the Indian side has repeatedly used national security as an excuse to prohibit some mobile apps with Chinese background," Ji said, adding that "these moves of the Indian government have also hindered the improvement of the Indian business environment and the innovative development of related Indian industries."

  - Xinhua