China Bans Foreign Mobile & iPhones in Government Offices

China has issued a directive instructing government officials to abstain from using Apple iPhones and other foreign-made mobile phone brands. Additionally, it has forbidden government employees from returning to office work. Recent weeks have witnessed senior officials from various government agencies disseminating this order to their junior staff through chat groups and meetings.

As reported by the Wall Street Journal, China has taken this action with a focus on reducing reliance on foreign technology and bolstering cybersecurity measures. The Chinese government aims to prevent the potential leakage of sensitive information outside the country through foreign-branded devices, as it is concerned about possible espionage activities associated with such phones.

These measures may pose significant challenges for foreign brands operating in China, including Apple, which is currently the most popular mobile phone brand in the country. China represents Apple’s largest market, accounting for 19 percent of the company’s profits. The extent to which the Chinese government’s order is being enforced remains unclear, as Apple has yet to respond to the situation.

This latest directive from China underscores the ongoing tensions between China and the United States, both of which have been imposing restrictions on each other’s technological products. The United States recently banned Huawei, and U.S. officials are prohibited from using the Chinese social media platform TikTok.

It is widely speculated that China’s issuance of this new order is a response to U.S. sanctions, driven by mutual concerns about data security and the potential for data breaches. The United States has long accused China of engaging in espionage activities, though China has consistently denied these allegations.