The State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT) on Wednesday cited a government catalogue that bans foreign investment in online publications in order to justify recent disputes regarding a new regulation that was expected to take effect the following day, as reported by the Global Times.
An official from the administration who wished to remain anonymous said that the Catalogue for the Guidance of Industries for Foreign Investment specifically states that foreign investment in online publishing is not permitted.
The National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Commerce jointly released the catalogue in 2015.
The list also includes other industries, including books, newspapers, magazines, digital publications and audiovisual products, according to the official.
The clarification comes after the government released a new regulation on Feb. 4 prohibiting foreign enterprises from publishing content online.
When it comes to joint ventures between Chinese and foreign companies, the SAPPRFT needs to approve the online content, including texts, photos, animations and games, before it is allowed to be published.
Many have spoken against the new regulation, with foreign companies especially afraid that the regulation may damage their interests.
While the new regulation does not name any particular organization, a report from Reuters said that Apple Inc.'s online music, video and bookstore are a potential target.
Luo Ping, dean of the Phoenix School-Communion University of China, has spoken favorably about the regulations, saying that it is necessary to protect the information security of the country.
"Good foreign works are still allowed in China through domestic enterprises," said Luo, explaining that the move is not aimed at suppressing foreign enterprises.
"Banning foreign investments in online publishing services is aimed at protecting the nation's ideology and culture security," said Wang Sixin, a media law professor at the Communication University of China.
"The new measure will also help our local culture from being affected by cultures aboad," added Wang.
The anonymous officer from the SAPPRFT also noted that online publishing service providers in China must have their servers and storage equipment located in the country.