China on Wednesday denied there was any ban on officials purchasing or using foreign phones, including iPhones, after reports claimed Beijing was prohibiting civil servants from using Apple handsets.

"China has not issued any laws, regulations, and policy documents prohibiting the purchase and use of foreign brand smartphones, including iPhone," Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning told a regular briefing.

"We always have an open attitude towards foreign-funded enterprises," she added.

Apple shares fell sharply last week following reports of Chinese restrictions on iPhones at government offices and state-backed entities.

Mao said on Wednesday that China "treats both domestic and foreign-funded enterprises in the same way and on an equal footing".

"The Chinese government attaches a great importance to information and cybersecurity," she added. (AFP)