China Detains Four Taiwanese Workers at Major iPhone Factory

Chinese authorities have taken into custody four Taiwanese workers from Foxconn’s Zhengzhou facility, which serves as the largest iPhone manufacturing site globally, contributing to approximately 80% of total worldwide production.

The detentions were made under legal measures that the Chinese government introduced last year. While no clear justification has been presented, the situation appears to be influenced by political motivations…

China detains four Foxconn employees

The Wall Street Journal has reported.

Local authorities in China have detained four Taiwanese personnel associated with Apple production facilities, as confirmed by officials from Taiwan. This development adds to a series of corporate detentions that have negatively impacted business confidence […]

One agency mentioned that allegations against the employees relate to a breach of trust; however, the specific details surrounding these claims remain unclear […]

The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) of Taiwan has characterized the accusations as peculiar, emphasizing that such wrongful detentions could severely undermine investor trust in China.

To date, there has been no official statement from either Apple or Foxconn, although the MAC noted that there have been no reported financial repercussions.

Possible political motivations

Relations between Taiwan and China have deteriorated significantly over the past few years, with tensions escalating to military posturing, including potential blockades. Intelligence agencies from both the US and UK are reportedly concerned about the possibility of a Chinese invasion in 2027, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army.

TSMC, a key supplier for Apple, is said to be preparing to remotely disable its machinery to safeguard its advanced technology should an invasion occur.

The recent detentions reflect a troubling trend wherein China employs such actions to intimidate individuals who express support for Taiwan’s quest for independence.

China has announced new regulations targeting individuals it classifies as “die-hard supporters of Taiwan independence,” with severe penalties, including potential death sentences […]

In June, the Taiwanese council raised its travel alert level for China to the second-highest, advising citizens to refrain from non-essential travel. They warned that China’s intensified national-security laws have led to unlawful detentions and interrogations of Taiwanese nationals.