Microsoft Says It's Working to Gain Approval for Windows 8 in China

"We were surprised to learn about the reference to Windows 8 in this notice," the company said in a statement, referring to a Chinese government official notice.

(Also see: China Bans Use of Microsoft Windows 8 on Government Computers)

"Microsoft has been working proactively with the Central Government Procurement Center and other government agencies through the evaluation process to ensure that our products and services meet all government procurement requirements," it said.

(Also see: US Tech Firms Prepare for China Backlash Over Cyber-Espionage Charges)

"We have been and will continue to provide Windows 7 to government customers. At the same time, we are working on the Windows 8 evaluation with relevant government agencies."

News of the Chinese ban came amid a diplomatic row over an indictment in the United States of five members of a shadowy Chinese military unit for allegedly hacking US companies for trade secrets.

(Also see: US Accuses China of Cyber-Espionage Targeting American Firms)

Beijing has summoned the US ambassador and accused Washington of double standards.

China at the same time suspended cooperation with the US on cybersecurity issues and banned the use of Microsoft's Windows 8 operating system on all new government computers.