China firmly opposed to India’s decision to block 43 more Chinese apps: FM spokesman

India on Tuesday blocked 43 more Chinese mobile apps, including Alibaba Group Holding's e-commerce app AliExpress

China on Wednesday protested against India’s latest move to ban 43 more apps linked to the companies based in the communist country, stating that it violated the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

“We hope the Indian side provides a fair, impartial and non-discriminatory business environment for all market players from various countries including China, and rectify the discriminatory practices violating WTO rules,” Ji Rong, the spokesperson of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in New Delhi, said in a statement.

Also read: India flouted WTO rules by banning apps: China

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government on Tuesday banned 43 more Chinese apps, including those from the communist country’s tech giant Alibaba, like AliSuppliers Mobile, Alibaba Workbench, AliExpress and Alipay Cashier.

The Government earlier banned the use of 177 Chinese apps in India after the stand-off between the Indian Army and the communist country’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in eastern Ladakh started in early May.

The six-month-long stand-off is still continuing.

Beijing on Wednesday “firmly” opposed New Delhi’s repeated use of “national security” as an excuse to prohibit mobile apps with links to the companies based in China.

“The Chinese Government has always required overseas Chinese companies to abide by international rules, operate in compliance with laws and regulations and conform to public order and good morals,” said Ji.

“China and India are the opportunities of development to each other rather than threats,” she said in a statement issued by China’s embassy in New Delhi. “Both sides should bring bilateral economic and trade relations back to the right path for mutual benefit and win-win results on the basis of dialogue and negotiation.”