On November 17, 2023, on the last day of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Week, held at Apple Park in San Francisco, California, Apple CEO Tim Cook focused on conversations about mental health issues in the spouses program.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds | AFP | Getty Images
apple On Friday it said it had pulled several messaging apps, such as YuanWhatsApp and Threads were removed from China’s App Store after the Chinese government ordered their removal, citing security concerns.
The move further exacerbates tensions between China and the United States over technology and other policies. In recent days, Congress has been seeking fast-track legislation that would push TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest the social media app. The House of Representatives could vote on a new bill as soon as Saturday, with President Joe Biden saying he would sign it into law if it reaches his desk.
“Even if we disagree, we are obligated to abide by the laws of the countries in which we do business,” Apple said in a statement. “Due to national security concerns, the Cyberspace Administration of China ordered these apps to be removed from the Chinese store.”
Other messaging platforms such as Signal and Telegram have also been removed from Chinese app stores.
Tensions between the two countries have also prompted Apple to try to diversify its supply chain outside of China. The company has been expanding its manufacturing operations in other countries such as India and Vietnam.
China has long restricted access to online content from the United States, but some platforms such as WhatsApp and Threads have historically been licensed through its App Store. These platforms are not as popular with Chinese users as others such as WeChat, but their removal has reduced the number of ways they can communicate with people outside the country.
Meta directed CNBC to seek comment from Apple. Signal and Telegram did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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