Tim Cook’s group, the majority of whose iPhones are made in China, does not want to offend Beijing.
Apple has asked its Taiwanese subcontractors exporting their production to China to strictly comply with Chinese customs regulations. This update intervenes a few days after the visit of Nancy Pelosi, the president of the American house of representatives in Taiwan, visit very criticized by China.
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For Apple, the majority of iPhones are manufactured on Chinese territory, there is no question of offending Beijing. The group therefore asks its subcontractors exporting spare parts and electronic components from Taiwan to China to mention that they are manufactured in “Taiwan, China” Where “Chinese Tappei“, revealed the news site NikkeiAsia. A way for Beijing to remember that the coveted island is part of China.
Legislation dating from 2015
Apple’s subcontractors would only comply with legislation that came into force in 2015. But the symbolic significance of the message is much more important than simply respecting a customs procedure, while tensions between China and the United States has never been more important. Already affected by production cuts linked to the closure of factories due to confinement, Tim Cook’s group is absolutely keen to avoid supply disruptions. However, the absence of a very small part costing a few cents can block an entire factory.
No question for Apple to take the slightest risk, when the brand could unveil its new iPhones in early September, as it has done for a decade.