Washington: After India banned 59 Chinese apps including TikTok, it is now the United States who is “looking at” banning those apps, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday.
Pompeo suggested the possible move during an interview with Fox News’ Laura Ingraham, adding that “we’re taking this very seriously.”
“With respect to Chinese apps on people’s cell phones, I can assure you the United States will get this one right too, Laura,” he said.
“I don’t want to get out in front of the President [Donald Trump], but it’s something we’re looking at.”
Pompeo’s statements cone at a time of heightened tensions between the United States and China, for over several reasons including national security, trade and technology.
India has banned the Chinese apps for engaging in activities “prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order”. The firm decision by the Indian government was taken following the violent Galwan valley clash along the Line of Actual Control.