- Written by Peter Hoskins
- business reporter
image source, Kevin Frayer
Apple’s iPhone 15 was launched last month
The Global Times, citing unnamed sources, reported that authorities have conducted tax audits of Foxconn’s offices in two Chinese provinces.
Foxconn says it will cooperate with the investigation.
The company, officially known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd, is the largest manufacturer of iPhones and one of the world’s largest employers.
The Global Times also reported that China’s Natural Resources Administration conducted a field survey of land use by Foxconn’s major operations in Henan and Hubei provinces.
“Legal compliance wherever we operate around the world is a fundamental principle of Hon Hai Science and Technology Group (Foxconn),” the company said in a statement.
He added, “We will actively cooperate with relevant departments regarding related operations and operations.”
Foxconn founder Terry Gou is running as an independent candidate in Taiwan’s presidential election to be held in January.
The election is expected to have a major impact on Taiwan-China relations, given the heightened tensions between the two countries over the past year. Presidential candidates are touting different visions for how to respond to Beijing’s growing claims to the self-governing island.
Based on his years of experience working in China, Guo is positioning himself as an alternative to the incumbent Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which is seen as hostile to the Chinese government.
But he also said he was not afraid of China when he announced his candidacy: “If the Chinese Communist government said, “If you don’t do what I say, we’re going to confiscate assets from Foxconn,” I would say, “Yes.” I would say,” he said. , please do it! ‘
He resigned from Foxconn’s board in September after announcing his presidential bid. He announced his first run for president in 2019 and took over the company, but he still owns 12.5% of Foxconn.
At the time, he was a member of Taiwan’s main political party, the Kuomintang (KMT), and was considered friendly to China.
The Global Times reported that “many people” in Taiwan suspect Foxconn is under investigation because Mr. Guo is running for president.
However, the state newspaper added that Chinese experts said that “this investigation is normal and legal, just as any company undergoes a tax investigation.”
The Global Times also said that the investigation could influence elections, saying, “If secessionists seeking ‘Taiwan independence’ win the elections, it will be a great disaster for regional peace and stability and the Chinese people.” ”, he quoted an expert. Both sides of the Taiwan Strait, including the business community, should cooperate to prevent disasters from occurring. ”
The Chinese government maintains that a country cannot have official relations with both China and Taiwan, and as a result, Taiwan has formal diplomatic relations with only a few countries. Although the United States maintains diplomatic relations only with China, it remains Taiwan’s most important ally.
