Several groups in China have targeted prominent American brands in protest against the recent ruling issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration regarding the South China Sea. Protesters took to the streets outside of local KFC outlets in at least 17 cities in China to vent out their dissent. Others shared videos on various social media outlets showing themselves smashing their Apple iPhones.

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Protesters claim that the United States is backing smaller Asian countries who are also claiming parts of the disputed maritime territory. Countries like Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, and the Philippines have competing claims against China over reefs and islands in the South China Sea. Last week, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines over China. The court's ruling has not only enraged the Chinese government but also some citizens.

Although the dispute is between China and the Philippines, Chinese protesters claim that the United States may have influenced the decision made by the international court.

China is considered by many analysts as Apple's most lucrative market. Moreover, Apple currently holds the biggest chunk of the smartphone market in the country. According to Mashable, American fast food outlet KFC is also enjoying significant growth in China.

State-run news agency Xinhua is now addressing the protests saying that people should not vent their anger on properties. The news agency released an op-ed acknowledging the indignation felt by the protesters and at the same time denouncing what it called "irrational" act being performed by people to express their feelings of patriotism.

Tagschina, South China Sea, China protesters, iPhone, KFC