India bans 118 Chinese apps in new backlash over border dispute

A girl holds her smartphone as she updates the ‘PUBG Mobile’ game, owned by Tencent, in Siliguri. India banned 118 Chinese apps as it stepped up economic hostilities over an increasingly bitter border showdown between the giant neighbours. — AFP

NEW DELHI: India on Sept 2 banned 118 more Chinese apps as the backlash intensified against Beijing over an increasingly bitter border showdown between the giant neighbours.

The government said the apps – including the popular video game PUBG and other services provided by Chinese internet giant Tencent – promoted activities “prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order”.