China is ramping up its efforts to cut its dependence on foreign technologies, especially from the United States. The latest move by Beijing is to ban the use of iPhones and other foreign devices at work by state employees and agencies.
According to Bloomberg, several state companies and government departments across eight provinces have issued verbal directives to their staff to switch to local brands, such as Huawei, which recently launched its new Mate 60 Pro smartphone.
The ban on foreign devices is seen as a way to support domestic companies and promote self-reliance in technology, as China faces increasing tensions with the US over trade, security, and human rights issues.
The US and China have been accusing each other of spying and stealing intellectual property through their tech companies, such as Apple, Huawei, TikTok, and WeChat. Both countries have imposed sanctions and restrictions on each other’s tech firms, creating a rift in the global supply chain and digital market.
China has been investing heavily in developing its own semiconductor chips, software, and hardware, as well as encouraging state-affiliated firms like banks to adopt local alternatives. China aims to become a global leader in innovation and technology, and to reduce its vulnerability to foreign pressure and interference.
