In a recent move that has been a topic of discussion globally, the Chinese Government has ban on the use of iPhones for government employees. China is one of Apple’s biggest markets. The decision taken by CCP is going to hurt Apple and its other products in China. Although the country has banned the use of Apple iPhone for officials of central government agencies. Apple generates one-fifth of its revenue from China.
China iPhone ban
Apart from Apple iPhone, government officials have been ordered not to use other foreign branded devices for work or bring them to office. However, it is not yet clear how widely these orders were being distributed.
External media gets less information from inside China because all those media channels are banned. The Wall Street Journal published an article stating that China has ordered officials of central government agencies not to use Apple iPhones and other foreign-branded devices for work and not to bring them into the office.
What Geopolitics Expert says?
Experts believe that this is related to the new iPhone series iPhone 15 which is going to be launched on September 12. Earlier, America has imposed sanctions against Chinese company Huawei Technologies, their 5G technology has been banned by many countries in Europe.
Due to increase in China-US tension after this order, there may be concern among foreign companies working in China. China is continuously reducing its dependence on external technology and focusing more on domestic technology and manufacturing.
Why International Media is not allowed in China?
The restrictions on international Media in China is due to Chinese government’s desire to maintain control over information and narratives within the country. There are many reasons why international media face limitations and censorship in China:
- National Security Concerns: Many time Chinese authorities gives national security concerns as a reason for restricting international media. As per their opinion, certain news or coverage from foreign outlets may pose a threat to the country’s stability.
- Ideological and Political Reasons: The Chinese government’s strict control over media aligns with its ideological and political goals. By limiting media presence, the government can ensure that information meet with its political principles. It also promote a narrative in peoples mind in the favour of ruling party.
- Cultural and Social reasons: China has a wide cultural and social landscape. With its diverse ethnic groups and regional sensitivities often leads to the censoring of content. International media coverage touches upon these sensitive topics, that’s why they are not allowed.
- Protection of State Monopoly: The main influence on the Chinese domestic media outlets is of Chinese government. They uphold a state monopoly over information dissemination. Limiting international media presence helps protect the dominance of state-controlled media and prevents the influence of foreign perspectives.