Foxconn, a major contract manufacturer for Apple headquartered in Taiwan, is reportedly under investigation in several provinces in China, as per a report from Chinese state media. Foxconn is Apple’s primary contractor for a wide array of products, including iPhones and MacBooks. According to China’s Global Times, tax inspections are underway in Guangdong and Jiangsu provinces, with additional investigations taking place in Henan and Hubei regions.
According to sources, Chinese tax authorities are conducting inspections on Foxconn’s major facilities in accordance with the law, particularly in Guangdong and Jiangsu provinces. Meanwhile, the natural resources department is also conducting on-site investigations into the land usage of Foxconn’s key enterprises in Henan and Hubei provinces.
Foxconn, also known as Hon Hai Technology Group, swiftly released a statement after these reports. In the statement, the company emphasized its commitment to upholding its legal obligations. Foxconn stated, “Legal compliance everywhere we operate around the world is a fundamental principle of Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn). We will actively cooperate with the relevant units on the related work and operations.”
The founder of Foxconn, Terry Gou, recently declared his independent candidacy in Taiwan’s presidential election, scheduled for January. The Global Times has reported that there are suspicions in Taiwan that Foxconn’s investigation might be linked to Gou’s presidential candidacy. However, Chinese experts view such investigations as “normal and legitimate,” arguing that all companies go through tax inspections.
Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, visited China last week and held a meeting with Jin Zhuanglong, China’s minister of industry and information technology. Following the meeting, the ministry issued a statement indicating that they discussed various topics, including Apple’s growth in China, supply chain collaboration, and other related issues.
