While House Speaker Nancy Pelosi may have made a recent appearance in Taiwan, it does not appear that China appears at all intimidated by the United States.
On the contrary, China appears emboldened, which is especially evident considering the influence the nation wields over some of the largest companies in America, and, by default, the world.
Apple, which has grown highly dependent on China from the perspective of the producer and the consumer, has recently agreed to appease Beijing by removing any references or labels to Taiwan on its product components.
According to a report from Nikkei Asia, a business publication in Japan, Beijing has initiated crackdowns on customs regulations regarding goods from Taiwan.
Previously, goods could be stamped with “Made in Taiwan” or the equivalent.
However, Beijing now requires all good made in the island nation to include labels that identify Taiwan as an official “province” of China, rather than an independent, autonomous nation.
This move emerges following Beijing’s anger at Pelosi for visiting Taipei.
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) promised “severe consequences” regarding the House Speaker’s visit, though they declined to offer additional details.
The revision to customs procedures appears to be the first step of many the CCP will take with regards to Taiwan, and it also places several companies in a tricky position when it comes to doing business with the Asian giant.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has recently reaffirmed the company’s commitment to privacy protections and human rights in a recent statement.
However, the decision to let Beijing control the labels of Apple’s product components suggests that Beijing, rather than Apple’s management team, is calling the shots, at least as far as Taiwan is concerned.
Cook has also endured flack for removing “Voice of America” from the App Store in China, which was also done at Beijing’s behest.
