Foxconn
Taiwan’s National Security Bureau (NSB) Director Wellington Koo has said that China’s probe into Foxconn is “political” as its billionaire founder Terry Gou is running for president of the democratically ruled island.
Koo told lawmakers on November 14, 2023, that China’s investigation into Foxconn’s tax affairs was “aimed at dissuading Terry Gou from running for president.”
He said that the investigation was “part of China’s ongoing campaign to suppress Taiwan” and that it was “an attempt to interfere in Taiwan’s internal affairs.”
Koo’s comments came after China’s State Taxation Administration announced on November 11, 2023, that it was launching an investigation into Foxconn’s tax affairs.
The announcement came just days after Gou declared his intention to run for president of Taiwan.
Foxconn is a Taiwanese multinational electronics contract manufacturer headquartered in Tucheng, New Taipei City, Taiwan. It is the world’s largest contract electronics manufacturer and the world’s largest employer of information technology workers, with over 1.2 million employees worldwide. Foxconn is a major supplier to Apple Inc. and other major technology companies.
Koo’s comments echo those of other Taiwanese officials, who have accused China of using economic pressure to interfere in Taiwan’s internal affairs.
China has repeatedly warned Taiwan against declaring independence, and it has taken a number of steps to isolate Taiwan from the international community.
China’s probe into Foxconn is likely to raise tensions between China and Taiwan. It is also likely to damage Foxconn’s reputation and make it more difficult for the company to do business in China.sharemore_vert