China says no law banning iPhone use in govt agencies

Beijing: China on Wednesday denied there was any ban on officials purchasing or using foreign phones, including iPhones, after reports said Beijing was prohibiting civil servants from using Apple handsets.

"China has not issued any laws, regulations, and policy documents prohibiting the purchase and use of foreign brand smartphones, including iPhone," foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a regular briefing.

"We always have an open attitude towards foreign-funded enterprises," she added.

Apple shares fell sharply last week following reports of significant Chinese restrictions on iPhones at government offices and state-backed entities.

The Wall Street Journal first reported that China had barred the use of Apple smartphones in central government agencies.

That was followed by a Bloomberg News story that China planned to expand the ban to government-backed agencies and state companies, broadening the effect of the policy in a centrally planned economy.

Mao said Wednesday, however, that China "treats both domestic and foreign-funded enterprises in the same way and on an equal footing".

"The Chinese government attaches a great importance to information and cybersecurity," she added.