Question：On 23 March 2023, Deputy First Minister John Swinney said that the Scottish Government will immediately prohibit the use of TikTok on its mobile phones and other corporate devices. Do you have any comment?

Consulate-General Spokesperson: We have noted the announcement. I want to stress that Chinese government takes data privacy and security very seriously, which is under legal protection. China has never and will not require companies or individuals to collect or provide data, information or intelligence located in a foreign country against local laws.

The UK government has made the decision out of political motive rather than facts. We oppose the Scottish side to follow suit. It disrupts the normal operations of the relevant company in Scotland, undermines the confidence of the international community in the Scotland's business environment, and will ultimately harm Scotland's own interests.

We urge the Scottish side to respect facts, abide by the rules of market economy and the principle of fair competition and provide an open, just and non-discriminatory business environment for companies from other countries.