Apple pulls controversial Chinese game from App Store

Apple has removed a video game from its App Store over its controversial theme, according to a report.

Dubbed Defend the Diaoyu Islands, the game allowed players to defend the islands against soldiers carrying Japanese flags and dressed as ninjas and sumo wrestlers. The game, which was developed by China-based Shenzhen ZQGame Network Co., highlights the real-world political upheaval that's occurring in Asia over the Diaoyu Islands, according to China Daily, which was first to report on the news.

The 87-mile stretch of islands situated between Taiwan and Okinawa are claimed by both the Japanese and Chinese governments. The islands' value is derived from the underwater natural gas and oil fields that could be used to supplement current resources.

Although Apple has not said why it pulled the game from its store, the company may not want its marketplace to get caught up in a bitter dispute between the two countries. In addition, Sun Megzi, an analyst who spoke with China Daily, said that it might have to do with Apple's terms of service, which requires that "enemies" in a game cannot target a specific race, culture, or government.

Apple has removed a host of apps from its App Store over the years. The company, however, typically declines to comment on those matters. CNET has contacted Apple for comment and will update this story if we hear back from the company.

(Via Bloomberg)