Overnight in China: Microsoft Raided Again, Apple Hardware Products Now Banned

Two new reports are surfacing today, showing that China is further marching toward eliminating foreign products and services from government use.

As we've reported over the past several months and even more over past several days, the Chinese government seems to have it in for Microsoft. Citing anti-competition issues, China has raided Microsoft offices over the last few days, searching for evidence of not complying with an anti-monopoly law enacted by the country in 2008. Before that, the Chinese government banned the use of Windows 8, Microsoft Azure, Office 365, and disrupted OneDrive, citing reasons of security and espionage.

Today, it's being reported that China renewed its assault on Microsoft overnight by targeting more offices for raids. The State Administration for Industry and Commerce (SAIC) raided office in Beijing, Liaoning, Fujian, and Hubei. And, as part of the action, offices of Accenture, Microsoft's financial partner in China, were also ransacked.

Both Microsoft and Accenture have issued statements to state they are in full cooperation. This is a day after Chinese officials released their own bullying statement to warn Microsoft against obstruction of Chinese justice.

But, Microsoft is not the only foreign-based company capturing legal focus, and not the only U.S.-based technology company, for that matter. Just two days ago, China was reported to remove security products from Symantec and Kaspersky Lab (Russian-based) from its software approved list in lieu of products made in-country.

Today, Reuters is also reporting that even Apple is catching the wave. In June, it was reported on state-run China television that Apple's iPhone could be used to steal state secrets. Overnight, Chinese officials acted on the report by prohibiting government agencies from purchasing any Apple hardware products, including iPhones and iPads.

So, the Chinese march continues. Elimination of non-Chinese produced goods is the goal here, despite citing reasons of security and antitrust. It will be interesting to see what eventually comes of China's assault on Microsoft (and other companies) and if something truly substantial can be found. I have my doubts and my own theory about what is really happening. You can read about that in China versus Microsoft.