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> It makes sense, as a country you wouldn’t want US companies taking over your social media.

Not having to build your own Facebook (and WhatsApp, etc.) means that you can build something else that can (eventually) compete internationally.

China isn't being irrational here, but there is a tradeoff between growth and security.

should every country block every other country?

The statement doesn't seem imperative as much as it's just generally relatable. In the end, it comes down to the values and limits of each society as to how they approach and react to something like Facebook and Google's massive influencing powers.

I hope this is a joke

He's got a point though.

Well it's very valid reason. Companies like Google and Facebook do influence their users, and do define how they interact.

So banning the big tech companies is kind of protection against this, as US influence can be really toxic for local businesses. Even the EU starts to fight back against them.

Countries may not want it exactly but most will go nowhere near blocking it. Or else every country but the USA would be blocking Facebook.

Protectionism for all.