India announces ban on 59 Chinese apps, including TikTok and WeChat

India's recent restrictions on Chinese companies and "Made in China" have been endless. The Indian Press Trust (PTI) said on 28 that India will inspect all equipment purchased from China to confirm whether there is Trojan malware or viruses. This is the latest case of New Delhi's strict quality control and tariff increase on Chinese products. In addition, India's Ministry of Electronic Information Technology announced on the 29th that it banned 59 Chinese apps, including TikTok and WeChat.

India's Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy, Singh, said in an interview with PTI that his department has proposed to impose tariffs on certain solar equipment starting August 1. Singh revealed that in India's planned power sector reform, higher tariff barriers, stringent testing of foreign equipment, and pre-licensing requirements for products imported from rival countries are key areas. Some countries that may become adversaries or potential adversaries will be identified as "priority reference countries". PTI stated that the "priority reference country" includes China and Pakistan.

According to the "Indian Times" report of 29, the Indian government said in a press release that India prohibits 59 Chinese requests, including TikTok and WeChat, for "security" reasons, and believes that these applications are involved in activities that harm to India.

According to CNN, the Indian Association of Mobile Phones and Electronic Products complained to Indian officials last week that all electronic products they imported from China were inspected at Indian ports "without prior notice". According to the "Indian Times" of 29, the Indian Minister of Roads and Transport, Nitin Gadkari, recently sent a letter to the country's Minister of Finance, Trade and Industry, urging them to prioritize customs clearance for imported agricultural equipment. Affected by the coronavirus, a large number of fumigation equipment in India was transferred to the cities, causing a shortage of supply on the farm. However, because customs decided to conduct a 100% inspection of goods from China, these devices are currently stranded at the port. Gadkari said that hampering the clearance of these imported products would only harm Indian entrepreneurs, not China.

A person from a Chinese mobile phone maker operating in India told the Global Times on 29 that due to the domestic boycott in India, sales of the company's products have been significantly affected, especially under the influence of the epidemic.

The CNN report also mentioned that India's restrictive measures will affect even global trade activities and international trade. Reuters said that among the Chinese-made products held by India, including Apple, Cisco, Dell and Ford products, Foxconn, which works for Apple in India, was also affected.

-Global Times