Chinese authorities have detained four Taiwanese workers at Foxconn’s massive iPhone assembly plant in Zhengzhou, commonly known as “iPhone City.” This plant is one of Apple’s largest manufacturing hubs, employing hundreds of thousands of workers.

The detentions come amid an ongoing crackdown by Beijing on foreign companies, raising concerns about the stability and security of international business operations in China.

Foxconn, the world’s largest electronics manufacturer, has faced increasing scrutiny from Chinese regulators since its founder, Terry Gou, entered Taiwan’s presidential race. The situation highlights a broader trend in recent years, where foreign firms in China have encountered rising regulatory barriers.

High-profile detentions of employees from major tech and consulting companies have become more frequent, amplifying the challenges faced by international businesses operating within China.

On Thursday, Oct. 10, Taiwan’s President William Lai delivered his strongest statement yet against Beijing’s actions, declaring that China has no right to represent Taiwan.

In a forceful speech, Lai vowed to “resist annexation or encroachment,” reiterating Taiwan’s position as a sovereign state. Lai, who took office in May, has consistently rejected any claims by China, reinforcing his administration’s stance on protecting Taiwan’s autonomy.

Meanwhile, Foxconn and Apple have been collaborating to shift some of their production operations away from China and into India. This move is seen as a strategic effort to reduce dependence on Chinese manufacturing in light of the growing political tensions and regulatory concerns.