April 19 (Reuters) - Apple ( AAPL ) removed Meta

Platforms' ( META ) WhatsApp and Threads from its App Store in

China on Friday after the iPhone maker was ordered by the

Chinese government.

"The Cyberspace Administration of China ordered the removal

of these apps from the China storefront based on their national

security concerns," Apple ( AAPL ) said in an emailed statement to

Reuters.

"We are obligated to follow the laws in the countries where

we operate, even when we disagree."

The iPhone maker said the apps remain available for download

on all other storefronts where they appear.

The Wall Street Journal first reported about the Meta apps

removal.

Meta did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for

comment on the WSJ report.

(Reporting by Mrinmay Dey and Nilutpal Timsina in Bengaluru;

Editing by Subhranshu Sahu)