Procurement list adjusted for security reasons

The Chinese government has reportedly removed a number of the world's leading technology companies, including Apple Inc, Cisco Systems Inc and Intel Corp's security software firm McAfee, from its procurement list, and has enrolled more domestically made products as replacements.

If this is the case, such a decision has been made because of security concerns and to support local IT enterprises. Some in the West, however, claim it is a violation of the national treatment principle required by the World Trade Organization, and even a "convenient excuse" for protectionism.

But objectively speaking, China's purchasing adjustment not only serves State security, it also reflects the international practice of countries promoting their domestic electronics industries.