Apple CEO Tim Cook defended the decision to follow the Chinese law to remove VPNs (virtual server software, China called “over the wall software”) in Chinese stores.

In countries where Internet usage is severely restricted, VPNs are often used to bypass censorship and surveillance.

After the VPN application was removed, Apple was severely criticized and accused of “helping China review the work.”

Apple expressed disagreement with China’s position but had to comply with Chinese laws.

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Apple CEO Tim Cook said on Tuesday: “We obviously won’t delete the application. But like in other countries, no matter where we do business, we have to follow the law.”

Cook said that it is unfair to compare the legal dispute between Apple and FBI last year. The company refused to help the FBI unlock the iPhone of the dead terrorists.

He said: “They are very different.”

“I know very well that as far as the United States is concerned, the laws of the United States support us. As far as China is concerned, the law is also very clear. Just as the United States amends the law, we must abide by the law in both cases.”

Chinese human rights activists and ordinary citizens have been trying to find ways to circumvent China’s notorious Chinese firewall — which blocks “problem” content from people’s attention and is heavily monitored.

To operate VPN services in China, companies must be authorized by the Chinese authorities.

No licenses, such as ExpressVPN, have been picked out and removed from the Apple Store.

ExpressVPN said in a blog post: “We are disappointed with this progress because it represents the most stringent measures the Chinese government has ever prevented from using VPNs.

Cook said that Apple has expressed its opposition to the VPN application through “appropriate” channels.

He said: “We believe in contact with the government (which is an effective way), even if we disagree.”

“As for this special case, we expect to see looseness over time, because innovation requires free collaboration and communication.”