China on Tuesday (28 July) asked India to correct "wrongdoings" of banning 59 Chinese mobile apps in the country and said that the Indian action has "severely damaged the legitimate rights and interests" of the companies owning these apps.

In response to media query on the restriction on Chinese messaging app WeChat in India, the spokesperson of Chinese embassy in India, Ji Rong said, “The Chinese side has lodged solemn representation to the Indian side and asked the Indian side to correct its wrongdoings".

India had earlier in June banned 59 Chinese apps including TikTok over national security concerns.

"On June 29, the Indian government banned 59 mobile apps with Chinese background including WeChat, which severely damaged the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies," Ji said.

The official “reiterated” that Beijing consistently asks Chinese enterprises to abide by international rules and local laws and regulations when conducting external operations, reports Times of India.

Ji said that practical cooperation between India and China was mutually beneficial and that "deliberate interference in such cooperation will not serve the interests of the Indian side".

The Chinese embassy spokesperson noted that Beijing will also take necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.