BEIJING - China expresses serious concerns over and firm opposition to India's recent claim to ban further Chinese apps on national security grounds, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said here Wednesday at a news briefing.

Zhao Lijian said the Chinese Embassy in India has issued a statement in response to India’s move on Tuesday to block the usage of 43 apps with Chinese background, including AliExpress and DingTalk.

The Indian government has the responsibility to follow market principles and protect the lawful rights and interests of international investors including Chinese companies, said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian

"For four times since June, India has imposed restrictions on smartphone apps with Chinese backgrounds under the pretext of national security. These moves in glaring violation of market principles and WTO rules severely harm the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies. China firmly rejects them," Zhao said.

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He said the Chinese government always asks Chinese companies to observe international rules and local laws and regulations when doing business overseas. The Indian government has the responsibility to follow market principles and protect the lawful rights and interests of international investors including Chinese companies.

"China-India economic and trade cooperation, by nature, is mutually beneficial. India should immediately correct its discriminatory approach and avoid causing further damage to bilateral cooperation," Zhao said.

The Chinese Embassy in India on Wednesday expressed strong opposition against India's move to use "national security" as an excuse once again to ban mobile apps with Chinese background. 

"We hope the Indian side provides a fair, impartial and non-discriminatory business environment for all market players from various countries including China, and rectify the discriminatory practices violating WTO rules," Ji Rong, spokeswoman for the embassy, said in response to a media query.

"The Chinese government has always required overseas Chinese companies to abide by international rules, operate in compliance with laws and regulations and conform to public order and good morals," Ji added.

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Ji noted that China and India should offer opportunities to each other rather than threats, saying that both sides through dialogue should work to restore economic and trade relations.