Chinese authorities have instructed the country's companies to stop using certain cybersecurity software developed in the US and Israel. Reuters reported this, citing sources familiar with the matter.
It is reported that the decision was made due to concerns regarding national security. Beijing expressed concern that Western intelligence agencies could obtain confidential information through these programs.
The restricted software includes products from the US companies VMware, Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, and Israel's Check Point Software. Overall, the list includes dozens of technology companies from the US and Israel.
According to Reuters, it is currently unknown exactly how many companies the Chinese government sent this instruction to. Internet control agencies and the Ministry of Industry have declined to comment on the matter.
According to the agency, Beijing is striving to gradually replace Western technologies with local developments. It is said that the growing trade and technological competition with the US also influenced this decision.
