Apple's ban a misunderstanding

Chinese financial news website Caixin.com has reported that news of Apple products being barred from Chinese government procurement is a misunderstanding.

Citing an insider, Caixin said the purchasing list is about energy saving products. Each company had to submit energy saving authentication credentials and related materials. Apple is not on this list due to its failure to deliver documents to the authorities. Apple can still participate in other government purchasing projects if procurement rules are followed, the insider said.

Fang Honggang, vice president at Detecon International GmbH (China), told Caixin that speculation that national security reasons caused the Chinese government to reject Apple products is unreliable. The Chinese government uses foreign brands, with companies such as Dell still on the list, he said.

The procurement list has had little impact on Apple with the company's main focus on the consumer market.

China Daily website sought comment from Apple which declined. China to exclude Apple products over security concerns.