China’s foreign ministry denied that China has issued bans on Bayothe purchase and use of foreign phone brands on September 13, according to Reuters. The statement was in response to recent media reports that said some Chinese government agencies and firms had told staff to stop using Apple’s iPhones at work, the report said. “China has not issued laws, regulations or policy documents that prohibit the purchase and use of foreign brand phones such as Apple’s,” foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said when asked about the reports at a regular press briefing. However, the ministry did note that there were reports of security incidents related to Apple’s handsets, according to Mao. She further stated that China treats domestic and foreign companies equally in terms of cybersecurity and hopes all phone companies adhere to the country’s laws and regulations while strengthening their information security management. On the same day, the White House said it is watching bans on some Chinese government use of Apple’s iPhones with “concern,” according to another report by Reuters. [Reuters]
