05:04 AM EDT, 04/19/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Apple ( AAPL ) removed Meta Platforms' ( META ) WhatsApp and Threads from its China App Store after being ordered to by the Beijing government, news outlets reported Friday.

The Chinese government ordered the social media and communications apps removed on national security grounds, the news outlets reported, citing statements from Apple ( AAPL ). Reuters reports that other Meta and social media apps including Instagram, Facebook, Messenger, YouTube, and X remained available for download.

"The Cyberspace Administration of China ordered the removal of these apps from the China storefront based on their national security concerns," Reuters cited Apple ( AAPL ) as saying in an emailed statement. "We are obligated to follow the laws in the countries where we operate, even when we disagree."

Apple ( AAPL ) and Meta did not immediately reply to MT Newswires' request for comment.