Zhi Zhuo | What model is conveyed by the ban on Apple phones and other devices?

Today, Hu Xijin sent a message saying that some media reported that China has required officials of central government agencies not to use Apple phones or other foreign brand devices in their offices.

Hu Xijin then said that he didn’t know if it was true.

But he said that if it is true, it is indeed to blame the United States for taking the lead in targeting Chinese electronic products and issuing a ban on officials’ use, which has led to a spiral of rising vigilance on national security between China and the United States, and this vigilance is first directed at each other.

Although Hu Xijin often considers himself a media person, in fact, he is more like a smart “politician.”

He used the media to disclose this matter, and then added: I don’t know if this is true.

You know, Hu Xijin was once the editor-in-chief of Global Times under the People’s Daily.

Whether it is the political status of the People’s Daily or the influence of the Global Times in China, let alone Hu Xijin, even a small reporter under him would not find it difficult to verify this news.

Hu Xijin is well versed in the “rules of officialdom” and has a strong political sensitivity. He disclosed this matter in this way, which can only explain one problem:

The news is true!

Otherwise, with Hu Xijin’s style, he would definitely come up and strongly refute the rumors.

But Hu Xijin didn’t this time.

In fact, the news has been cited or reported by many media. And on social media, there are also many messages reflecting the ban.

In this regard, some media reported that this is the latest measure taken to reduce dependence on foreign technology and strengthen network security, and it is also introduced against the background of restricting the outflow of sensitive information from China.

According to reports, this move may have a chilling effect on foreign brands in China, including Apple.

Apple dominates the high-end smartphone market in China, and China is one of its largest markets, accounting for about 19% of its total revenue.

The news did have a great impact on Apple.

According to Bloomberg, Apple fell 3.3% in the New York market on Wednesday (September 6), the biggest intraday drop since August 4.

In addition, according to the news, not only Apple devices, but also Tesla cars have begun to be banned from entering in some places.

Many people expressed their support for this ban.

But some people also raised concerns. They worry that this move will exacerbate economic decoupling with the United States, and they are even more worried that this will lead to other terrible consequences.

Whether it is support or concern, the ban is already a major trend and is unstoppable. According to rumors, currently only high-level unit civil servants are not allowed to use it, and it is believed that it will soon be “implemented” in various places. Even including major state-owned enterprises and institutions.

It is also hard to say whether it will be “implemented” in large private enterprises in the future.

Looking at the ban on Apple devices, we are not the first.

According to a report by the Financial Times on July 16, due to concerns about US espionage activities, the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade stated that from July 17, employees are prohibited from using Apple phones and other Apple devices at work.

Last month (June 1), the FSB stated that they had discovered that the US National Security Agency used unknown malware to invade Apple phones for espionage activities.

The FSB also said that thousands of Apple phones have been invaded by malware, including the phones of Russian domestic users. In addition, the phones of some foreign diplomats stationed in Russia have become targets of US eavesdropping.

Apple immediately denied this statement. In a statement to the media, a company spokesperson said, “We have never cooperated with any government and inserted software backdoors in any Apple products, and we never will.”