Apple has removed the WhatsApp and Threads apps, which are Meta-owned apps, from the App Store in China at the request of the government. Apple stated that the Chinese authorities cited security reasons and Apple must comply with the laws of the country, whether agreed with or not.
In the past, both WhatsApp and Threads were available for download in the Chinese App Store, even though technically usage in China required a VPN. The request to remove the apps is not entirely unexpected.
Previously, Apple has been asked by the Chinese government to remove VPN apps, news apps, and social media apps from the App Store for some time now.
Source: 9to5Mac
TLDR: Apple removed WhatsApp and Threads from the App Store in China following a request from the government citing security reasons. This is not the first time Apple has been asked to remove certain types of apps in China.
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