Chinese smartphone ban: China urges India to provide a nondiscriminatory business environment

Beijing, Aug 10: After media reports emerged that India is looking to ban Chinese companies costing under Rs 12,000 or the US $150, China has urged India to fulfill its commitment of openness and cooperation for Chinese smartphone companies.

 

 

 

Earlier, there were reports that India is seeking to restrict Chinese smartphone makers from selling devices cheaper than 12,000 rupees or equivalent to US$150. This could deal a great blow to Chinese companies like Xiaomi. However, the aim is to boost the local smartphone companies like Lava, Micromax, etc.

 

Responding to this, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin, said, "We have noted relevant reports and I would refer you to competent Chinese authorities for the specifics."

 

However, he stressed, "the trade and economic cooperation between China and India is mutually beneficial in nature. We urge the Indian side to earnestly fulfill its commitment of openness and cooperation and provide an open, fair, just and nondiscriminatory investment and business environment for Chinese companies. China will firmly support Chinese companies in defending their lawful interests and rights."

 

 

Chinese smartphone manufacturers are majorly contributing to purchasing mobiles under Rs 15,000 with some share garnered by Samsung and a few other non-Chinese companies in India. India is planning to push Indian smartphone makers. If the move comes into effect, it is clearly going to impact sales for brands like Xiaomi, Poco, Realme, among others -- companies that have been dominating the affordable smartphone segment for the last several years now.