Blogger’s Note: Initially, I came across this article on Press TV via Telegram – but found that Google is “banning” Iranian media – whilst the US and Israel attempt a violent overthrow of the Iranian government. Instead, I had to open the below article via the Microsoft search-engine. Whether wordpress shadow-bans or ghosts this article is anyone’s guess. I have checked the Mainland Chinese-language “Baidu” search-engine for confirmation of this original “Reuters” article – and could not find any reference. Therefore, I would tread carefully. Reuters, just like all the Western news outlets are controlled by the bourgeois establishment and loyally does its (pro-capitalist) bidding. On the other hand, China, like any country, routinely exercises its right to self-defence – just as Iran is doing now. The fact that Press TV states:
‘Sources familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that the notice was issued in recent days and affects software produced by a range of foreign companies.’
Suggests that this article is untrue as it lacks any genuine Chinese input. This is an odd deception on behalf of Iran’s Press TV considering China’s generally “supportive” stance toward the Islamic Republic – despite countries like Qatar publishing continuous anti-China rhetoric (through Al Jazeera). There is NO reason whatsoever to think that a non-Chinese source would possess any “special” access to the internal functioning of the Chinese State – that would involve Chinese people effectively betraying their own people by collaborating with the enemy. This just does not happen. Of course, as we live in interesting times, this might be a “fake” Press TV article inserted onto the internet by nefarious forces (unknown) – but we could all guess who is involved. Even if this story turns-out to contain any element of truth – deliberately “omitting” the Chinese State from its own news out-put is the essence of Eurocentric racism. To my mind, the most distressing (verifiable) data contained in the Reuters article is that Trump is scheduled to receive a “State Visit” in Beijing during April, 2026! ACW (15.1.2026)
Press TV – Wednesday, 14 January 2026
Chinese authorities have issued a directive to domestic companies to cease using certain cybersecurity software produced by US and Israeli firms in a move driven by national security concerns.
Reuters carried the report on Wednesday, saying the measure aimed to protect sensitive data from potentially being transmitted abroad.
Sources familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that the notice was issued in recent days and affects software produced by a range of foreign companies.
The directive specifically bans cybersecurity software from several foreign firms, including US companies VMware, Palo Alto Networks, and Fortinet, as well as Israeli firm Check Point Software Technologies.
While the exact number of affected companies remains unclear, the decision impacts firms across various sectors operating within China.
According to the sources, Chinese authorities are concerned that the software could potentially collect and transmit confidential data overseas, raising fears about foreign access to sensitive information.
This latest decision is part of China’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on foreign technology and bolster its domestic alternatives in critical sectors, including cybersecurity.
While China’s efforts to secure domestic capabilities have largely focused on industries like semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI), the new move frames cybersecurity software as part of that larger strategic push.
Chinese analysts have noted that growing concerns about the vulnerability of Western technology to foreign hacking have further intensified Beijing’s drive for self-reliance in tech.
Observers say the move also aligns with a wider trend of China seeking to insulate its critical systems from foreign interference and potential threats.
This is not the first time China has taken steps to remove foreign technology from sensitive government and business sectors.
In 2014, Chinese media reported that the government had initiated a phased removal of Microsoft Windows from government computers, citing similar security concerns. That policy shift also extended to state-owned enterprises, signalling China’s early recognition of the risks posed by foreign software in critical systems.
In addition, China had previously banned Windows 8 in 2014 for similar reasons, reinforcing the importance of domestic software alternatives as part of its long-term cybersecurity strategy.
The latest development also comes amid a broader backdrop of growing US-China rivalry, with both countries engaged in intense competition across multiple fronts, including technology, trade, and geopolitical influence.
Washington’s efforts to counter China’s expanding role in global economic, energy, and technological domains have seen it impose unprecedented tariffs on Chinese imports.
Most recently, the US also invaded Venezuela and kidnapped its president before asking American firms to exploit the immense oil reserves in the Latin American country, which serves as China’s biggest source of crude.
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 