China has banned its government to use Microsoft's Windows 8 operating system. The decision has given a huge blow to the tech company that has long struggled with sales in the country.
The Central Government Procurement Center issued the ban on installing Windows 8 on Chinese government computers as part of a notice on the use of energy-saving products. Xinhua news agency said that the ban was to ensure computer security after Microsoft ended its support to its Windows XP, the operating system widely used in China. The news came at a time when animosity between China and the U.S. was high.
"We were surprised to learn about the reference to Windows 8 in this notice," the company said in a statement. "Microsoft has been working proactively with the Central Government Procurement Center and other government agencies through the evaluation process to ensure that our products and services meet all government procurement requirements."
"We have been and will continue to provide Windows 7 to government customers. At the same time we are working on the Window 8 evaluation with relevant government agencies," said Microsoft.
Microsoft's struggle in China was stated by Steve Ballmer in 2011, saying that Microsoft had earned less revenue in China than in Netherland even though computer sales matched those in the U.S.. All because of piracy in China is common.
