The Tamil Nadu government has formally requested the local unit of Taiwanese hardware manufacturing firm Foxconn, to provide better basic amenities for its workers. Among the facilities enlisted as part of the suggestions were - better hostels, spacious living areas, adequate bathrooms and toilets, potable water, living spaces with proper ventilation and overall improved infrastructure in hostels/dormitories.&nbsp;

This comes nearly a week after hundreds of Foxconn workers protested and blocked the crucial Chennai-Bengaluru highway, as over 150 women workers had fallen sick after consuming the food provided in the hostels.&nbsp;

According to the protestors, there were long-standing issues between the management and the contractual workers, which the management allegedly refused to address or resolve. Among the issues highlighted were the basic living facilities, better working conditions, hygienic food and water etc.

According to the government, they are keen on bringing investments and job opportunities to the state, but are also keen on voicing out for the welfare of workers (especially women). In line with this, top government officials, including IAS and IPS officers had met with representatives of Foxconn on Thursday and offered suggestions.&nbsp;

Among the points highlighted to the company were, District Collector's certificate of approval for the living spaces provided to workers, provision of hygienic meals that are cooked within the premises of the hostel, ensuring timely approval of emergency leave for contractual workers and also utilising services of manpower agencies for seeking replacement/backup workforce to make up for those absent.&nbsp;

According to the government, the company had agreed to implement the suggestions and has also expressed its intention to expand its operations and offer more job opportunities.&nbsp;

Nearly 14,000 men and women are employed in the Foxconn unit that manufactures electronic components, iPhones for Apple and handsets for other leading smartphone brands.

Many of the women workers are staying in the nearby dormitories. It was after consuming their meals from one such dormitory that over 150 workers were affected by food poisoning and had to be taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.&nbsp;

According to workers, the management did not offer any response when queried about the health condition of women workers who were admitted to the hospital.&nbsp;

There were also rumours of a few women workers having died, owing to food poisoning. This is said to have been a major trigger for the protest. However, the government authorities formally dismissed the claims of workers having died and assured action against rumour mongers.

The Tamil Nadu government has formally requested the local unit of Taiwanese hardware manufacturing firm Foxconn, to provide better basic amenities for its workers.

The Tamil Nadu government has formally requested the local unit of Taiwanese hardware manufacturing firm Foxconn, to provide better basic amenities for its workers. Among the facilities enlisted as part of the suggestions were - better hostels, spacious living areas, adequate bathrooms and toilets, potable water, living spaces with proper ventilation and overall improved infrastructure in hostels/dormitories. This comes nearly a week after hundreds of Foxconn workers protested and blocked the crucial Chennai-Bengaluru highway, as over 150 women workers had fallen sick after consuming the food provided in the hostels. According to the protestors, there were long-standing issues between the management and the contractual workers, which the management allegedly refused to address or resolve. Among the issues highlighted were the basic living facilities, better working conditions, hygienic food and water etc. According to the government, they are keen on bringing investments and job opportunities to the state, but are also keen on voicing out for the welfare of workers (especially women). In line with this, top government officials, including IAS and IPS officers had met with representatives of Foxconn on Thursday and offered suggestions. Among the points highlighted to the company were, District Collector's certificate of approval for the living spaces provided to workers, provision of hygienic meals that are cooked within the premises of the hostel, ensuring timely approval of emergency leave for contractual workers and also utilising services of manpower agencies for seeking replacement/backup workforce to make up for those absent. According to the government, the company had agreed to implement the suggestions and has also expressed its intention to expand its operations and offer more job opportunities. Nearly 14,000 men and women are employed in the Foxconn unit that manufactures electronic components, iPhones for Apple and handsets for other leading smartphone brands. Many of the women workers are staying in the nearby dormitories. It was after consuming their meals from one such dormitory that over 150 workers were affected by food poisoning and had to be taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. According to workers, the management did not offer any response when queried about the health condition of women workers who were admitted to the hospital. There were also rumours of a few women workers having died, owing to food poisoning. This is said to have been a major trigger for the protest. However, the government authorities formally dismissed the claims of workers having died and assured action against rumour mongers.

India: Provide better facilities for workers, Tamil Nadu govt tells iPhone assembly unit Foxconn

Taiwan's Foxconn and TSMC said on Monday, they had reached deals to buy 10 million doses of Germany's BioNTech SE's COVID-19 vaccine, putting the total cost of the highly politicised deal at around $350 million. 
 
Taiwan's government has tried for months to buy the vaccine directly from BioNTech and has blamed China, which claims the self-ruled island as its own territory, for nixing an agreement the two sides were due to sign earlier this year. China denies the accusations. 
 
Last month, facing public pressure about the slow pace of Taiwan's inoculation programme, the government agreed to allow Foxconn's founder Terry Gou, as well as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC), to negotiate on its behalf for the vaccines. 
 
BioNTech's Chinese sales agent Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group Co Ltd said on Sunday that an agreement had been signed, though no details of a delivery timeframe have been revealed yet. 
 
Gou wrote on his Facebook page that he was 'gratified' the deal had been completed, which will see Foxconn and TSMC each buy five million doses, to be donated to the government for distribution. 
 
"But we can't relax, because we will continue to work hard to push for the delivery time and quantity," he said, adding the vaccines will come directly from Germany. 
 
"However, this batch of vaccines delivered directly from the German factory I believe will help Taiwanese society to increase confidence and offer respite in the face of the epidemic."

TSMC and Foxconn are major Apple Inc suppliers. 
 
Taiwan's government said it would comment later on Monday. 
 
Gou said Beijing did not interfere in the talks.

Taiwan's Foxconn and TSMC said on Monday, they had reached deals to buy 10 million doses of Germany's BioNTech SE's COVID-19 vaccine, putting the total cost of the highly politicised deal at around $350 million.

Taiwan's Foxconn and TSMC said on Monday, they had reached deals to buy 10 million doses of Germany's BioNTech SE's COVID-19 vaccine, putting the total cost of the highly politicised deal at around $350 million. Taiwan's government has tried for months to buy the vaccine directly from BioNTech and has blamed China, which claims the self-ruled island as its own territory, for nixing an agreement the two sides were due to sign earlier this year. China denies the accusations. Last month, facing public pressure about the slow pace of Taiwan's inoculation programme, the government agreed to allow Foxconn's founder Terry Gou, as well as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC), to negotiate on its behalf for the vaccines. BioNTech's Chinese sales agent Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group Co Ltd said on Sunday that an agreement had been signed, though no details of a delivery timeframe have been revealed yet. Gou wrote on his Facebook page that he was 'gratified' the deal had been completed, which will see Foxconn and TSMC each buy five million doses, to be donated to the government for distribution. "But we can't relax, because we will continue to work hard to push for the delivery time and quantity," he said, adding the vaccines will come directly from Germany. "However, this batch of vaccines delivered directly from the German factory I believe will help Taiwanese society to increase confidence and offer respite in the face of the epidemic." TSMC and Foxconn are major Apple Inc suppliers. Taiwan's government said it would comment later on Monday. Gou said Beijing did not interfere in the talks.

Taiwan's Foxconn, TSMC reach deal to buy BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine

Three&nbsp;of Apple Inc's top&nbsp;contract manufacturers plan to invest a total of almost $900 million in India in the next five years to tap into a new production-linked incentive plan, according to two sources familiar with the matter.

Foxconn, Wistron&nbsp;and Pegatron all plan to make investments under the scheme, said the sources, who asked not to be named as the discussions are private.

India's new $6.65 billion production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme offers companies cash incentives on any increase in sales of locally-made smartphones over the next five years, compared with 2019-20 levels. The scheme aims to help transform India into an export manufacturing hub.
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Foxconn has applied to invest about 40 billion rupees ($542 million), while Wistron and Pegatron have committed to invest close to 13 billion rupees and 12 billion rupees, respectively, under the PLI plan, the sources said.

It is unclear whether all of the investment will be targeted at boosting manufacturing of Apple devices in India, but the sources and industry insiders said the vast majority would be focused on expanding iPhone manufacturing in the country.

Foxconn said that as a matter of policy it did not comment on specific operations or work for any customer. Apple, Wistron, Pegatron and India's technology ministry, which formulated the PLI scheme, did not respond to emails seeking comment.

While Foxconn, Pegatron and Wistron make devices for companies other than Apple globally, Wistron's arm in India currently assembles only iPhones.

Wistron, which assembles roughly 200,000 second-generation iPhone SEs per month in India, plans to scale that up to 400,000 a month by the end of the year, one of the sources said, as it looks to cater to export demand for the device.

That plan is expected to create roughly 10,000 jobs, the source added.

Pegatron is yet to start Indian operations, but has been in talks with several states, with Tamil Nadu in the south emerging as a frontrunner for a planned plant to manufacture Apple devices, a third source said.

Foxconn, which also assembles devices for Xiaomi&nbsp;in India, already has enough capacity to meet Xiaomi's needs and is likely to use the PLI plan largely to boost iPhone production, a fourth source said.

The commitments would help Apple diversify its supply chain beyond China, which is locked in a trade war with the United States.

Apple started assembling in 2017 a low-cost iPhone model in India through Wistron's local unit in the tech hub of Bengaluru. It later ramped up production, with Foxconn beginning to assemble iPhones last year and Wistron widening operations.

"India is key to Apple's global ambitions as it expands beyond China," said Tarun Pathak, an associate director at tech researcher Counterpoint. "It offers a strategic market to them where skilled labour is cheaper as compared to other manufacturing destinations, the size of the internal market is huge and the export potential is enormous."

Local manufacturing helps Apple save costly duties levied on imports of fully-built phones and components in India, where the Cupertino, California-headquartered tech giant accounts for just 1% of smartphone shipments.

Apple is looking to change that. It launched its online store in India last week, and is building its first company-run retail store in the financial hub of Mumbai.

Three of Apple Inc's top contract manufacturers plan to invest a total of almost $900 million in India in the next five years to tap into a new production-linked incentive plan, according to two sources familiar with the matter.

Three of Apple Inc's top contract manufacturers plan to invest a total of almost $900 million in India in the next five years to tap into a new production-linked incentive plan, according to two sources familiar with the matter. Foxconn, Wistron and Pegatron all plan to make investments under the scheme, said the sources, who asked not to be named as the discussions are private. India's new $6.65 billion production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme offers companies cash incentives on any increase in sales of locally-made smartphones over the next five years, compared with 2019-20 levels. The scheme aims to help transform India into an export manufacturing hub. Foxconn has applied to invest about 40 billion rupees ($542 million), while Wistron and Pegatron have committed to invest close to 13 billion rupees and 12 billion rupees, respectively, under the PLI plan, the sources said. It is unclear whether all of the investment will be targeted at boosting manufacturing of Apple devices in India, but the sources and industry insiders said the vast majority would be focused on expanding iPhone manufacturing in the country. Foxconn said that as a matter of policy it did not comment on specific operations or work for any customer. Apple, Wistron, Pegatron and India's technology ministry, which formulated the PLI scheme, did not respond to emails seeking comment. While Foxconn, Pegatron and Wistron make devices for companies other than Apple globally, Wistron's arm in India currently assembles only iPhones. Wistron, which assembles roughly 200,000 second-generation iPhone SEs per month in India, plans to scale that up to 400,000 a month by the end of the year, one of the sources said, as it looks to cater to export demand for the device. That plan is expected to create roughly 10,000 jobs, the source added. Pegatron is yet to start Indian operations, but has been in talks with several states, with Tamil Nadu in the south emerging as a frontrunner for a planned plant to manufacture Apple devices, a third source said. Foxconn, which also assembles devices for Xiaomi in India, already has enough capacity to meet Xiaomi's needs and is likely to use the PLI plan largely to boost iPhone production, a fourth source said. The commitments would help Apple diversify its supply chain beyond China, which is locked in a trade war with the United States. Apple started assembling in 2017 a low-cost iPhone model in India through Wistron's local unit in the tech hub of Bengaluru. It later ramped up production, with Foxconn beginning to assemble iPhones last year and Wistron widening operations. "India is key to Apple's global ambitions as it expands beyond China," said Tarun Pathak, an associate director at tech researcher Counterpoint. "It offers a strategic market to them where skilled labour is cheaper as compared to other manufacturing destinations, the size of the internal market is huge and the export potential is enormous." Local manufacturing helps Apple save costly duties levied on imports of fully-built phones and components in India, where the Cupertino, California-headquartered tech giant accounts for just 1% of smartphone shipments. Apple is looking to change that. It launched its online store in India last week, and is building its first company-run retail store in the financial hub of Mumbai.

Three top Apple suppliers to commit $900 million to India smartphone incentive plan: Sources

Apple Inc's Taiwan contract manufacturers Foxconn, Wistron Corp and Pegatron Corp have applied for India's $6.65 billion scheme to boost local smartphone manufacturing, the country's tech minister said on Saturday.

The production-linked incentive (PLI) plan offers companies cash incentives on additional sales of devices made locally over five years, with 2019-2020 as the base year. India hopes it will help turn the country into a global smartphone export hub like neighbouring China.

Apple already assembles some its smartphones, including the iPhone 11, via Foxconn and Wistron's local unit in two southern Indian states.

Also read- <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-supplier-foxconn-to-invest-1-billion-in-india-sources-312563">Apple supplier Foxconn to invest $1 billion in India: Sources</a>

Pegatron, one of Apple's top suppliers, has yet to open a plant in India, but is in talks with various states to set up operations, according to sources.

South Korea's Samsung Electronics Co Ltd has also applied for PLIs, technology minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told a news conference.

Samsung runs what it calls the world's biggest mobile phone manufacturing plant on the outskirts of the Indian capital, New Delhi. It also exports devices made at the plant.

Lava, which once also assembled some models for China's Lenovo, was among the Indian companies which had applied for the scheme, Prasad added.

India's smartphone sector is a bright spot in the South Asian nation's economy, thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on local manufacturing in a bid to create jobs.

With more than 1 billion wireless subscribers and roughly 350 million users still on basic phones, India offers huge room for growth to smartphone makers.

Its labour, which is cheaper than China's, also allows companies to produce or assemble at lower costs. And companies are ramping up.

Foxconn said it plans to invest up to $1 billion to expand a factory in Tamil Nadu state where it assembles iPhones, sources told Reuters last month.

Apple Inc's Taiwan contract manufacturers Foxconn, Wistron Corp and Pegatron Corp have applied for India's $6.65 billion scheme to boost local smartphone manufacturing, the country's tech minister said on Saturday.

Apple Inc's Taiwan contract manufacturers Foxconn, Wistron Corp and Pegatron Corp have applied for India's $6.65 billion scheme to boost local smartphone manufacturing, the country's tech minister said on Saturday. The production-linked incentive (PLI) plan offers companies cash incentives on additional sales of devices made locally over five years, with 2019-2020 as the base year. India hopes it will help turn the country into a global smartphone export hub like neighbouring China. Apple already assembles some its smartphones, including the iPhone 11, via Foxconn and Wistron's local unit in two southern Indian states. Also read- Apple supplier Foxconn to invest $1 billion in India: Sources Pegatron, one of Apple's top suppliers, has yet to open a plant in India, but is in talks with various states to set up operations, according to sources. South Korea's Samsung Electronics Co Ltd has also applied for PLIs, technology minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told a news conference. Samsung runs what it calls the world's biggest mobile phone manufacturing plant on the outskirts of the Indian capital, New Delhi. It also exports devices made at the plant. Lava, which once also assembled some models for China's Lenovo, was among the Indian companies which had applied for the scheme, Prasad added. India's smartphone sector is a bright spot in the South Asian nation's economy, thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on local manufacturing in a bid to create jobs. With more than 1 billion wireless subscribers and roughly 350 million users still on basic phones, India offers huge room for growth to smartphone makers. Its labour, which is cheaper than China's, also allows companies to produce or assemble at lower costs. And companies are ramping up. Foxconn said it plans to invest up to $1 billion to expand a factory in Tamil Nadu state where it assembles iPhones, sources told Reuters last month.

Apple's Taiwan suppliers, Samsung apply for India's smartphone scheme

Foxconn plans to invest up to $1 billion to expand a factory in southern India where the Taiwanese contract manufacturer assembles Apple iPhones, two sources said.

Sources: Apple supplier Foxconn plans to invest up to $1 billion in India

Foxconn&nbsp;plans to invest up to $1 billion to expand a factory in southern India where the Taiwanese contract manufacturer assembles Apple iPhones, two sources said.

The move, the scale of which has not previously been reported, is part of a quiet and gradual production shift by Apple away from China as it navigates disruptions from a trade war between Beijing and Washington and the coronavirus crisis.

"There's a strong request from Apple to its clients to move part of the iPhone production out of China," one of the sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-apple-eyes-shift-to-india-from-china-smartphone-manufacturing-to-get-major-boost-298304">As Apple eyes shift to India from China, smartphone manufacturing to get major boost</a>

Foxconn&nbsp;said it does not comment on matters related to customers, while Apple did not respond to a request for comment.

Foxconn's planned investment in the Sriperumbur plant, where Apple's iPhone XR is made some 50 km west of Chennai, will take place over the course of three years, the second source said.

Some of Apple's other iPhones models, made by&nbsp;Foxconn&nbsp;in China, will be made at the plant, said both sources, who declined to be identified as the talks are private and details have yet to be finalised.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-growing-tensions-with-china-taiwans-foxconn-eyes-investment-in-india-308087">Amid growing tensions with China, Taiwan's Foxconn eyes investment in India</a>

Taipei-headquartered&nbsp;Foxconn&nbsp;will add some 6,000 jobs at the Sriperumbur plant in Tamil Nadu state under the plan, one of the sources said. It also operates a separate plant in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, where it makes smartphones for China's Xiaomi Corp, among others.

Foxconn&nbsp;Chairman Liu Young-way last month said it would ramp up its investment in India, without giving details.

STATUS SYMBOL

Apple accounts for about 1% of smartphone sales in India, the world's second-biggest smartphone market, where its pricey iPhones are often seen as a status symbol.

Building more phones in India will also help Apple save on import taxes that further push up its prices.

Apple assembles a few models through Taiwan's Wistron Corp in the southern tech hub of Bengaluru. Wistron is also set to open a new plant, where it plans to make more Apple devices, Reuters previously reported.

"With India's labour cheaper compared with China, and the gradual expansion of its supplier base here, Apple will be able to use the country as an export hub," Neil Shah of Hong Kong-based tech researcher Counterpoint said.

India is also working to boost electronics manufacturing by firms such as&nbsp;Foxconn&nbsp;and last month launched a $6.65 billion plan, offering five global smartphone makers incentives to establish or expand domestic production.

Having Apple widen its local presence is likely to be a boost for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flagship "Make In India" drive, aimed at creating new jobs.

South Korea's Samsung has already said it will make smartphones for export from its plant outside New Delhi.

Foxconn plans to invest up to $1 billion to expand a factory in southern India where the Taiwanese contract manufacturer assembles Apple iPhones, two sources said. The move, the scale of which has not previously been reported, is part of a quiet and gradual production shift by Apple away from China as it navigates disruptions from a trade war between Beijing and Washington and the coronavirus crisis. "There's a strong request from Apple to its clients to move part of the iPhone production out of China," one of the sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. Also read: As Apple eyes shift to India from China, smartphone manufacturing to get major boost Foxconn said it does not comment on matters related to customers, while Apple did not respond to a request for comment. Foxconn's planned investment in the Sriperumbur plant, where Apple's iPhone XR is made some 50 km west of Chennai, will take place over the course of three years, the second source said. Some of Apple's other iPhones models, made by Foxconn in China, will be made at the plant, said both sources, who declined to be identified as the talks are private and details have yet to be finalised. Also read: Amid growing tensions with China, Taiwan's Foxconn eyes investment in India Taipei-headquartered Foxconn will add some 6,000 jobs at the Sriperumbur plant in Tamil Nadu state under the plan, one of the sources said. It also operates a separate plant in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, where it makes smartphones for China's Xiaomi Corp, among others. Foxconn Chairman Liu Young-way last month said it would ramp up its investment in India, without giving details. STATUS SYMBOL Apple accounts for about 1% of smartphone sales in India, the world's second-biggest smartphone market, where its pricey iPhones are often seen as a status symbol. Building more phones in India will also help Apple save on import taxes that further push up its prices. Apple assembles a few models through Taiwan's Wistron Corp in the southern tech hub of Bengaluru. Wistron is also set to open a new plant, where it plans to make more Apple devices, Reuters previously reported. "With India's labour cheaper compared with China, and the gradual expansion of its supplier base here, Apple will be able to use the country as an export hub," Neil Shah of Hong Kong-based tech researcher Counterpoint said. India is also working to boost electronics manufacturing by firms such as Foxconn and last month launched a $6.65 billion plan, offering five global smartphone makers incentives to establish or expand domestic production. Having Apple widen its local presence is likely to be a boost for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flagship "Make In India" drive, aimed at creating new jobs. South Korea's Samsung has already said it will make smartphones for export from its plant outside New Delhi.

Apple supplier Foxconn to invest $1 billion in India: Sources

Foxconn, the Taiwanese electronics giant is expanding investment in India.&nbsp;The company currently has most of its factories in China. As per a 2010 report, Foxconn has 12 factories in nine Chinese cities.

Speaking at the company's annual general meeting, Foxconn's chairman Liu Young-Way described India as a "bright spot" for development.

“We are fully pushing ahead with next steps there, and maybe in a few months' time we can reveal on our website the next steps and report back to everyone. We'll have further investment there”, he said.

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&nbsp;

Foxconn&nbsp; is headquartered in Taiwan and supplies to the world. And the growing tensions between China and Taiwan,&nbsp; Foxconn may be looking for alternatives for its investments.

Chinese aggression in Taiwan

Currently, China is ramping up military activity around Taiwan.&nbsp;Taiwan's Premier Su Tseng-chang issued a warning to China today.&nbsp;He told Beijing “focus on fighting the resurgent coronavirus in Beijing, rather than disturbing Taiwan with military drills.”

The People’s Liberation Army has been conducting drills near Taiwan.&nbsp;Taiwan claims that China's Air Force has buzzed Taiwan at least eight times in the last two weeks.&nbsp;Reports say that China sent fighters and bombers into Taiwan's air defence identification zone.&nbsp;The planes were pushed back by patrolling Taiwanese jets.

Amid the growing military threat, Taiwan is prioritising the development of its defence industry. Just yesterday, President Tsai Ing-wen oversaw the first public test flight of an aircraft “Brave Eagle”, wholly built in Taiwan. An advanced jet trainer, it was built at a cost of a little more than two billion Dollars.

Taiwan is also developing submarines and has asked its military to remain vigilant. However, Taiwan still depends on the United States for support.

Fox News reported today that there are now three American aircraft carriers operating in the Pacific to counter Chinese aggression near Taiwan and in the south China sea.

Support to Hong Kongers

Recently, Taiwan extended support to protesters in Hong Kong. Last week, President Tsai declared that Taiwan will provide humanitarian assistance to Hong Kong.

“Our thoughts today are with the people of hong kong. Taiwan has joined the international community in urging the Beijing authorities to honour their obligation to respect hong kong's fundamental freedoms. We do not believe in merely looking on as others defend their freedom. As the situation in hong kong continues to deteriorate just weeks before the 23rd anniversary of the handover, Taiwan will continue to provide necessary humanitarian assistance to the people of Hong Kong”, Tsai ing-Wen said.

Foxconn, the Taiwanese electronics giant is expanding investment in India. The company currently has most of its factories in China. As per a 2010 report, Foxconn has 12 factories in nine Chinese cities.

Foxconn, the Taiwanese electronics giant is expanding investment in India. The company currently has most of its factories in China. As per a 2010 report, Foxconn has 12 factories in nine Chinese cities. Speaking at the company's annual general meeting, Foxconn's chairman Liu Young-Way described India as a "bright spot" for development. “We are fully pushing ahead with next steps there, and maybe in a few months' time we can reveal on our website the next steps and report back to everyone. We'll have further investment there”, he said. × Foxconn is headquartered in Taiwan and supplies to the world. And the growing tensions between China and Taiwan, Foxconn may be looking for alternatives for its investments. Chinese aggression in Taiwan Currently, China is ramping up military activity around Taiwan. Taiwan's Premier Su Tseng-chang issued a warning to China today. He told Beijing “focus on fighting the resurgent coronavirus in Beijing, rather than disturbing Taiwan with military drills.” The People’s Liberation Army has been conducting drills near Taiwan. Taiwan claims that China's Air Force has buzzed Taiwan at least eight times in the last two weeks. Reports say that China sent fighters and bombers into Taiwan's air defence identification zone. The planes were pushed back by patrolling Taiwanese jets. Amid the growing military threat, Taiwan is prioritising the development of its defence industry. Just yesterday, President Tsai Ing-wen oversaw the first public test flight of an aircraft “Brave Eagle”, wholly built in Taiwan. An advanced jet trainer, it was built at a cost of a little more than two billion Dollars. Taiwan is also developing submarines and has asked its military to remain vigilant. However, Taiwan still depends on the United States for support. Fox News reported today that there are now three American aircraft carriers operating in the Pacific to counter Chinese aggression near Taiwan and in the south China sea. Support to Hong Kongers Recently, Taiwan extended support to protesters in Hong Kong. Last week, President Tsai declared that Taiwan will provide humanitarian assistance to Hong Kong. “Our thoughts today are with the people of hong kong. Taiwan has joined the international community in urging the Beijing authorities to honour their obligation to respect hong kong's fundamental freedoms. We do not believe in merely looking on as others defend their freedom. As the situation in hong kong continues to deteriorate just weeks before the 23rd anniversary of the handover, Taiwan will continue to provide necessary humanitarian assistance to the people of Hong Kong”, Tsai ing-Wen said.

Amid growing tensions with China, Taiwan's Foxconn eyes investment in India

Taiwan's Foxconn chairman Liu Young-way has announced that the company is planning "further investments" in India even though there was "certain impact" at present due to the coronavirus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/border-vs-business-india-tells-two-state-firms-to-not-use-china-telecoms-gear-306911">Also Read:&nbsp;Border vs business: India tells two state firms to not use China telecoms gear</a>

Foxconn makes smartphones in India for Apple Inc and Xiaomi Corp, however, operations were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic as India went into a lockdown.

Chairman Liu Young-way declared India was a "bright&nbsp;spot for development". The company had to suspend its operations in China amid the coronavirus outbreak. Liu declared that since there were no infections at its China plants, it was able to resume operations.

Liu speaking at the annual general meeting, however, cautioned against the second wave of infections stating that it would be a risk to business.

The Taiwanese tech giant first-quarter profit had slumped by nearly 90 per cent on year due to the coronavirus pandemic. The company's net income for January-March had plunged 89 per cent to $70 million, while revenue fell 12 per cent on-year. Liu had pointed out that remote working, online entertainment and new lifestyles had generated "new drive for growth".

However, for the second quarter, Foxconn said it expects revenue to show double-digit percentage growth.

Foxconn is the world's biggest contract electronics manufacturer and makes Apple's iPhones as well as gadgets for many other international brands.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Taiwan's Foxconn chairman Liu Young-way has announced that the company is planning "further investments" in India even though there was "certain impact" at present due to the coronavirus.

Taiwan's Foxconn chairman Liu Young-way has announced that the company is planning "further investments" in India even though there was "certain impact" at present due to the coronavirus. Also Read: Border vs business: India tells two state firms to not use China telecoms gear Foxconn makes smartphones in India for Apple Inc and Xiaomi Corp, however, operations were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic as India went into a lockdown. Chairman Liu Young-way declared India was a "bright spot for development". The company had to suspend its operations in China amid the coronavirus outbreak. Liu declared that since there were no infections at its China plants, it was able to resume operations. Liu speaking at the annual general meeting, however, cautioned against the second wave of infections stating that it would be a risk to business. The Taiwanese tech giant first-quarter profit had slumped by nearly 90 per cent on year due to the coronavirus pandemic. The company's net income for January-March had plunged 89 per cent to $70 million, while revenue fell 12 per cent on-year. Liu had pointed out that remote working, online entertainment and new lifestyles had generated "new drive for growth". However, for the second quarter, Foxconn said it expects revenue to show double-digit percentage growth. Foxconn is the world's biggest contract electronics manufacturer and makes Apple's iPhones as well as gadgets for many other international brands.

'Bright spot for development': Taiwan's Foxconn eyes further investments in India

Today, phone manufacturing company Foxconn said that it is looking to expand its presence in India and invest more.

iPhone maker Foxconn wants to expand its manufacturing in India

Travel restrictions to China because of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/impact-of-coronavirus-on-global-economy-278907">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;have come just as Apple Inc's&nbsp;engineers usually jet off to Asia to perfect the production of this fall's new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-to-launch-first-retail-store-in-india-next-year-283115">iPhones</a>, former employees and supply chain experts told Reuters.

High-volume manufacturing is not scheduled until summer, but the first months of the year are when Apple irons out assembly processes with partners such as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/impact-of-coronavirus-on-global-economy-278907">Foxconn</a>, two former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/impact-of-coronavirus-on-global-economy-278907">Apple</a>&nbsp;employees said.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/impact-of-coronavirus-on-global-economy-278907">How coronavirus is affecting the global economy</a>

"They probably have one assembly line they're trying things out on," said one of the former employees who asked not to be named discussing production matters.

"Are Apple's engineers with the Foxconn engineers? If they are, they're probably making progress. But if they're not, if they're quarantined, that could be bad."

While <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-to-launch-first-retail-store-in-india-next-year-283115">Apple</a>&nbsp;uses other contract manufacturers such as Wistron Corp to make some <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-to-launch-first-retail-store-in-india-next-year-283115">iPhones</a>, Taiwan's Foxconn tends to handle the introduction of new models because its capabilities are the most advanced, supply chain experts said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-to-launch-first-retail-store-in-india-next-year-283115">Apple to launch first retail store in India next year</a>

Foxconn, the world's largest contract electronics maker, delayed reopening key iPhone factories in Shenzhen and Zhengzhou after the Lunar New Year holiday but hopes to resume half of its Chinese production by the end of February.

Senior Foxconn officials who have been working remotely from Taipei since the holiday have not yet returned to China on a large scale, a person with knowledge of the matter told Reuters, speaking of company officials generally.

Apple declined to comment. Foxconn Technology Group said in an emailed statement on Tuesday that the company is following all legally required health and safety practices at its factories to protect employee welfare.

"Consistent with this, we are taking a cautious approach in the implementation of our post-holiday production schedules in each of our facilities in China," the company said.

Last week, Apple warned investors it was unlikely to meet revenue targets for the first three months of 2020 and that global iPhone supplies would be limited as manufacturing sites in China were not ramping up production as quickly as expected.

Foxconn said this month that the coronavirus outbreak would lower its revenue this year.

Earlier this month, United Airlines, which has disclosed that Apple is a major customer, said it was cancelling all fights to China until late April. Apple, meanwhile, said on January&nbsp;28 that it was restricting employee to travel to China to "business-critical" situations.

Travel restrictions to China because of the coronavirus have come just as Apple Inc's engineers usually jet off to Asia to perfect the production of this fall's new iPhones, former employees and supply chain experts told Reuters.

Travel restrictions to China because of the coronavirus have come just as Apple Inc's engineers usually jet off to Asia to perfect the production of this fall's new iPhones, former employees and supply chain experts told Reuters. High-volume manufacturing is not scheduled until summer, but the first months of the year are when Apple irons out assembly processes with partners such as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co's Foxconn, two former Apple employees said. Also see: How coronavirus is affecting the global economy "They probably have one assembly line they're trying things out on," said one of the former employees who asked not to be named discussing production matters. "Are Apple's engineers with the Foxconn engineers? If they are, they're probably making progress. But if they're not, if they're quarantined, that could be bad." While Apple uses other contract manufacturers such as Wistron Corp to make some iPhones, Taiwan's Foxconn tends to handle the introduction of new models because its capabilities are the most advanced, supply chain experts said. Also read: Apple to launch first retail store in India next year Foxconn, the world's largest contract electronics maker, delayed reopening key iPhone factories in Shenzhen and Zhengzhou after the Lunar New Year holiday but hopes to resume half of its Chinese production by the end of February. Senior Foxconn officials who have been working remotely from Taipei since the holiday have not yet returned to China on a large scale, a person with knowledge of the matter told Reuters, speaking of company officials generally. Apple declined to comment. Foxconn Technology Group said in an emailed statement on Tuesday that the company is following all legally required health and safety practices at its factories to protect employee welfare. "Consistent with this, we are taking a cautious approach in the implementation of our post-holiday production schedules in each of our facilities in China," the company said. Last week, Apple warned investors it was unlikely to meet revenue targets for the first three months of 2020 and that global iPhone supplies would be limited as manufacturing sites in China were not ramping up production as quickly as expected. Foxconn said this month that the coronavirus outbreak would lower its revenue this year. Earlier this month, United Airlines, which has disclosed that Apple is a major customer, said it was cancelling all fights to China until late April. Apple, meanwhile, said on January 28 that it was restricting employee to travel to China to "business-critical" situations.

Coronavirus clouds Apple's timeline for new iPhones

Apple Inc's top-end iPhones, assembled in India by Foxconn's local unit, are likely to hit Indian stores next month, a source said, potentially helping the tech giant drop prices in the world's second-biggest smartphone market.

Some approvals are pending, but the India-made iPhone XR and XS devices are expected to hit the market by August, the source said, asking not to be named as the matter is not public.

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Foxconn said it does not comment on customers or their products.

Expanding local assembly will help Apple save on high taxes levied on the import of fully-built devices, as well as meet local sourcing norms for opening its own retail stores in India.

Apple's devices are coveted by millions of Indians, but its premium pricing has limited its market share to a meagre 1 per cent to the gain of rivals such as China's OnePlus.

Reuters had previously reported that the local unit of Hon Hai Precision Industry Co, widely known as Foxconn, would this year begin assembling iPhone X family devices in India's southern Tamil Nadu state.

Cupertino, California-headquartered Apple also assembles the lower-cost SE, 6S and 7 models in India through Wistron Corp's local unit in the tech hub of Bengaluru.

"Local production will give Apple the leeway to play with the margins of their distributors and indirectly price their phones lower," said Rushabh Doshi, a research director at tech consultancy Canalys.

Trade war

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has tried to position South Asia's third-biggest economy as a hub for smartphone manufacturing, wooing global players with access to a market with over a billion wireless connections and cheap labour.

That push has met with some success as global smartphone giants including Samsung and China's Oppo have expanded rapidly in India, and contract manufacturers like Foxconn have ramped up domestic operations.

Beyond fulfilling local demand, companies such as Apple could also use India as an export hub to soften the impact of a bruising trade war between the United States and China, according to technology analysts.

Apple cut its fiscal first-quarter sales forecast, blaming slowing iPhone sales in China where uncertainty around US-China trade relations has hurt the economy.

Some of the Wistron assembled iPhone 6s and 7 are being exported from India to markets in Europe, Neil Shah of Hong-King based tech researcher Counterpoint said.

Wistron's India head declined to comment.

Apple Inc's top-end iPhones, assembled in India by Foxconn's local unit, are likely to hit Indian stores next month, a source said, potentially helping the tech giant drop prices in the world's second-biggest smartphone market.

Apple Inc's top-end iPhones, assembled in India by Foxconn's local unit, are likely to hit Indian stores next month, a source said, potentially helping the tech giant drop prices in the world's second-biggest smartphone market. Some approvals are pending, but the India-made iPhone XR and XS devices are expected to hit the market by August, the source said, asking not to be named as the matter is not public. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Foxconn said it does not comment on customers or their products. Expanding local assembly will help Apple save on high taxes levied on the import of fully-built devices, as well as meet local sourcing norms for opening its own retail stores in India. Apple's devices are coveted by millions of Indians, but its premium pricing has limited its market share to a meagre 1 per cent to the gain of rivals such as China's OnePlus. Reuters had previously reported that the local unit of Hon Hai Precision Industry Co, widely known as Foxconn, would this year begin assembling iPhone X family devices in India's southern Tamil Nadu state. Cupertino, California-headquartered Apple also assembles the lower-cost SE, 6S and 7 models in India through Wistron Corp's local unit in the tech hub of Bengaluru. "Local production will give Apple the leeway to play with the margins of their distributors and indirectly price their phones lower," said Rushabh Doshi, a research director at tech consultancy Canalys. Trade war Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has tried to position South Asia's third-biggest economy as a hub for smartphone manufacturing, wooing global players with access to a market with over a billion wireless connections and cheap labour. That push has met with some success as global smartphone giants including Samsung and China's Oppo have expanded rapidly in India, and contract manufacturers like Foxconn have ramped up domestic operations. Beyond fulfilling local demand, companies such as Apple could also use India as an export hub to soften the impact of a bruising trade war between the United States and China, according to technology analysts. Apple cut its fiscal first-quarter sales forecast, blaming slowing iPhone sales in China where uncertainty around US-China trade relations has hurt the economy. Some of the Wistron assembled iPhone 6s and 7 are being exported from India to markets in Europe, Neil Shah of Hong-King based tech researcher Counterpoint said. Wistron's India head declined to comment.

Apple's India-made top-end iPhones to hit stores next month: Source

Terry Gou, chairman of Apple supplier Foxconn, said on Wednesday he will contest Taiwan's 2020 presidential election, shaking up the political landscape at a time of heightened tension between the self-ruled island and Beijing.

Gou, Taiwan's richest person with a net worth of $7.6 billion according to Forbes, said he would join the already competitive race, and take part in the opposition, China-friendly Kuomintang (KMT) primaries.

His decision capped a flurry of news this week that began when Gou said on Monday he planned to step down from the world's largest contract manufacturer to pave the way for younger talent to move up the company's ranks.

He later announced he was considering a presidential bid and hinted he was close to a decision, and then told more than 100 people packed into a temple he would follow the instruction of a sea goddess who had told him to run for president.

The sea goddess Mazu is a popular deity in Taiwan and is believed to hold sway over one's safety and fortune.

"Peace, stability, economy, future, are my core values," Gou said later at the KMT's headquarters in Taipei.

He urged the party to rediscover its spirit, the honour of its members and the lost support of the youth, and to establish a fair and transparent system for the primary race.

The KMT's primary was already highly competitive, with contenders including a former KMT chairman, Eric Chu, and a former head of the island's parliament, Wang Jin-pyng.

The KMT has not agreed how the race should be run or how candidates will be decided.

Gou's bid, which requires KMT approval, comes at a delicate time for cross-strait relations and delivers a blow to the ruling pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party, which is struggling in opinion polls.

China-Taiwan relations have deteriorated since the island's president, Tsai Ing-wen, of the independence-leaning DPP, swept to power in 2016.

China suspects Tsai is pushing for the island's formal independence. That is a red line for China, which has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control.

Tsai says she wants to maintain the status quo with China but will defend Taiwan's security and democracy.

'VERY PRO-CHINA'

A senior adviser to Tsai said Gou's bid could create problems, given his extensive business ties with China.

"This is problematic to Taiwan's national security," the adviser, Yao Chia-wen, said.

"He's very pro-China and he represents the class of the wealthy people. Will that gain support from Taiwanese?" Yao said, adding he believed Gou would face a tough battle in the KMT primary.

Tension between Taipei and Beijing escalated again on Monday, as Chinese bombers and warships conducted drills around the island, prompting Taiwan to scramble jets and ships to monitor the Chinese forces.

A senior US official denounced Beijing's military manoeuvres as "coercion" and a threat to stability in the region.

Gou has questioned Taiwan's ties with the United States and said this week the island should stop buying US weapons. He said peace was the best the defence.

William Stanton, professor at National Taiwan University and former head of the de facto US embassy in Taipei, said he would have concerns if Gou were to become president.

"I’d be concerned about how he would behave. He did not have a positive attitude towards the US," Stanton said.

The KMT, which once ruled China before fleeing to Taiwan at the end of a civil war with the Communists in 1949, said in February it could sign a peace treaty with Beijing if it won the presidential election.

Zhang Baohui, a regional security analyst at Hong Kong's Lingnan University, said Gou's run could mark the start of the most unusual election in Taiwan history.

"This is something entirely fresh for Taiwan politics - here is a candidate who sees everything through the pragmatic angle of a businessman rather than raw politics or ideology," Zhang said.

"He has no baggage and that will be a fascinating scenario."

Gou's news comes as Tsai is grappling with a series of unpopular domestic reform initiatives, from a pension scheme to labour law, which have come under intense voter scrutiny.

The KMT said this week Gou had been a party member for more than 50 years and had given it an interest-free loan of T$45 million ($1.5 million) in 2016 under the name of his mother, which had signalled his loyalty to the party.

Foxconn said on Tuesday Gou would remain chairman, though he planned to withdraw from daily operations.

It was not immediately clear when he planned to pull back or if his presidential bid would require him to step down from Foxconn. There were no regulations related to a company executive running for the presidency, the island's stock exchange said.

Foxconn's shares closed up 2.1 percent at T$91.80 ahead of Gou's formal declaration, the highest in six months. His Hong Kong-listed FIH Mobile closed up 28 percent, tracking the strength in parent Foxconn.

Terry Gou, chairman of Apple supplier Foxconn, said on Wednesday he will contest Taiwan's 2020 presidential election, shaking up the political landscape at a time of heightened tension between the self-ruled island and Beijing.

Terry Gou, chairman of Apple supplier Foxconn, said on Wednesday he will contest Taiwan's 2020 presidential election, shaking up the political landscape at a time of heightened tension between the self-ruled island and Beijing. Gou, Taiwan's richest person with a net worth of $7.6 billion according to Forbes, said he would join the already competitive race, and take part in the opposition, China-friendly Kuomintang (KMT) primaries. His decision capped a flurry of news this week that began when Gou said on Monday he planned to step down from the world's largest contract manufacturer to pave the way for younger talent to move up the company's ranks. He later announced he was considering a presidential bid and hinted he was close to a decision, and then told more than 100 people packed into a temple he would follow the instruction of a sea goddess who had told him to run for president. The sea goddess Mazu is a popular deity in Taiwan and is believed to hold sway over one's safety and fortune. "Peace, stability, economy, future, are my core values," Gou said later at the KMT's headquarters in Taipei. He urged the party to rediscover its spirit, the honour of its members and the lost support of the youth, and to establish a fair and transparent system for the primary race. The KMT's primary was already highly competitive, with contenders including a former KMT chairman, Eric Chu, and a former head of the island's parliament, Wang Jin-pyng. The KMT has not agreed how the race should be run or how candidates will be decided. Gou's bid, which requires KMT approval, comes at a delicate time for cross-strait relations and delivers a blow to the ruling pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party, which is struggling in opinion polls. China-Taiwan relations have deteriorated since the island's president, Tsai Ing-wen, of the independence-leaning DPP, swept to power in 2016. China suspects Tsai is pushing for the island's formal independence. That is a red line for China, which has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control. Tsai says she wants to maintain the status quo with China but will defend Taiwan's security and democracy. 'VERY PRO-CHINA' A senior adviser to Tsai said Gou's bid could create problems, given his extensive business ties with China. "This is problematic to Taiwan's national security," the adviser, Yao Chia-wen, said. "He's very pro-China and he represents the class of the wealthy people. Will that gain support from Taiwanese?" Yao said, adding he believed Gou would face a tough battle in the KMT primary. Tension between Taipei and Beijing escalated again on Monday, as Chinese bombers and warships conducted drills around the island, prompting Taiwan to scramble jets and ships to monitor the Chinese forces. A senior US official denounced Beijing's military manoeuvres as "coercion" and a threat to stability in the region. Gou has questioned Taiwan's ties with the United States and said this week the island should stop buying US weapons. He said peace was the best the defence. William Stanton, professor at National Taiwan University and former head of the de facto US embassy in Taipei, said he would have concerns if Gou were to become president. "I’d be concerned about how he would behave. He did not have a positive attitude towards the US," Stanton said. The KMT, which once ruled China before fleeing to Taiwan at the end of a civil war with the Communists in 1949, said in February it could sign a peace treaty with Beijing if it won the presidential election. Zhang Baohui, a regional security analyst at Hong Kong's Lingnan University, said Gou's run could mark the start of the most unusual election in Taiwan history. "This is something entirely fresh for Taiwan politics - here is a candidate who sees everything through the pragmatic angle of a businessman rather than raw politics or ideology," Zhang said. "He has no baggage and that will be a fascinating scenario." Gou's news comes as Tsai is grappling with a series of unpopular domestic reform initiatives, from a pension scheme to labour law, which have come under intense voter scrutiny. The KMT said this week Gou had been a party member for more than 50 years and had given it an interest-free loan of T$45 million ($1.5 million) in 2016 under the name of his mother, which had signalled his loyalty to the party. Foxconn said on Tuesday Gou would remain chairman, though he planned to withdraw from daily operations. It was not immediately clear when he planned to pull back or if his presidential bid would require him to step down from Foxconn. There were no regulations related to a company executive running for the presidency, the island's stock exchange said. Foxconn's shares closed up 2.1 percent at T$91.80 ahead of Gou's formal declaration, the highest in six months. His Hong Kong-listed FIH Mobile closed up 28 percent, tracking the strength in parent Foxconn.

Foxconn's Gou throws hat in ring for Taiwan presidency, with blessing of sea goddess

In a bid to expand its manufacturing operations in the country, Taiwanese smartphone manufacturer Foxconn going to start mass production of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/apple-ceo-tim-cook-lauds-iphone-photos-at-chennai-photo-biennale-by-school-children-201776">Apple's iPhone</a> in India.

“In the future, we will play a very important role in India's smartphone industry,” Foxconn Technology Group Chairman Terry Gou said at an event in Taiwan.&nbsp; 
 
Apple's Bengaluru plant has been producing the older model of the phones but now will expand manufacturing to more recent models.

Foxconn is prepared to begin preliminary creation of the most recent iPhones in the nation before it begins full-scale assembly at its industrial facility outside Chennai at Sriperumbudur. 
 
A report in December said Apple would begin assembling its top-end iPhones in India through the local unit of Foxconn as early as 2019.

Founded in 1974, the Foxconn group has grown to become the world`s biggest contract manufacturer with T$5.2 trillion ($168.52 billion) in annual revenue, assembling goods for Apple, SoftBank Group Corp and other global tech firms. It relies on Apple for more than half of annual revenue, according to analysts.

Foxconn Technology chairman Terry Gou, who owns 9.4 per cent of Foxconn as its top shareholder, is Taiwan's richest person with a net worth of $7.6 billion, according to Forbes.

Last month, Foxconn reported a smaller than expected fall in quarterly profit, despite warning signs from key customers including Apple that demand for tech electronics was softening.

In a bid to expand its manufacturing operations in the country, Taiwanese smartphone manufacturer Foxconn going to start mass production of Apple's iPhone in India.

In a bid to expand its manufacturing operations in the country, Taiwanese smartphone manufacturer Foxconn going to start mass production of Apple's iPhone in India. “In the future, we will play a very important role in India's smartphone industry,” Foxconn Technology Group Chairman Terry Gou said at an event in Taiwan. Apple's Bengaluru plant has been producing the older model of the phones but now will expand manufacturing to more recent models. Foxconn is prepared to begin preliminary creation of the most recent iPhones in the nation before it begins full-scale assembly at its industrial facility outside Chennai at Sriperumbudur. A report in December said Apple would begin assembling its top-end iPhones in India through the local unit of Foxconn as early as 2019. Founded in 1974, the Foxconn group has grown to become the world`s biggest contract manufacturer with T$5.2 trillion ($168.52 billion) in annual revenue, assembling goods for Apple, SoftBank Group Corp and other global tech firms. It relies on Apple for more than half of annual revenue, according to analysts. Foxconn Technology chairman Terry Gou, who owns 9.4 per cent of Foxconn as its top shareholder, is Taiwan's richest person with a net worth of $7.6 billion, according to Forbes. Last month, Foxconn reported a smaller than expected fall in quarterly profit, despite warning signs from key customers including Apple that demand for tech electronics was softening.

A shift from China to India: Foxconn set for mass production of iPhones in Chennai

A former manager at Taiwan's technology giant Foxconn has been jailed for stealing and selling 2,000 iPhones to pocket around Tw$8.46 million ($277,000), a court said Friday.

Foxconn, also known as Hon Hai, is the world's largest contract electronics maker and assembles products for international brands such as Apple and Sony.

It employs about one million workers at its factories across China.

Tsai Yi-wei, who worked in the company's testing department, had instructed eight employees at Foxconn's factory in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen to smuggle out iPhone 5 and iPhone 5s test models between July 2013 and December 2014, the high court said.

Tsai and his accomplices then sold the phones, which were supposed to be scrapped, to stores in Shenzhen.

He was sentenced to two years and four months in prison on Thursday and can appeal the ruling.

"The defendant was the head of a department but violated the company's trust," the court said in a statement.

Foxconn reported the case to Taiwanese authorities following an internal audit and Tsai was indicted in late 2016.

The firm has been hit by a number of scandals in recent years, from employee misconduct to labour disputes.

In 2016, five former Foxconn employees were given up to 10 years and six months in prison for soliciting Tw$160 million in kickbacks from suppliers in exchange for clearing quality checks and buying their equipment.

The company had also come under the spotlight over labour unrest, from employee suicides to the use of underage interns at its Chinese plants several years ago.

A former manager at Taiwan's technology giant Foxconn has been jailed for stealing and selling 2,000 iPhones to pocket around Tw$8.46 million ($277,000), a court said Friday.

A former manager at Taiwan's technology giant Foxconn has been jailed for stealing and selling 2,000 iPhones to pocket around Tw$8.46 million ($277,000), a court said Friday. Foxconn, also known as Hon Hai, is the world's largest contract electronics maker and assembles products for international brands such as Apple and Sony. It employs about one million workers at its factories across China. Tsai Yi-wei, who worked in the company's testing department, had instructed eight employees at Foxconn's factory in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen to smuggle out iPhone 5 and iPhone 5s test models between July 2013 and December 2014, the high court said. Tsai and his accomplices then sold the phones, which were supposed to be scrapped, to stores in Shenzhen. He was sentenced to two years and four months in prison on Thursday and can appeal the ruling. "The defendant was the head of a department but violated the company's trust," the court said in a statement. Foxconn reported the case to Taiwanese authorities following an internal audit and Tsai was indicted in late 2016. The firm has been hit by a number of scandals in recent years, from employee misconduct to labour disputes. In 2016, five former Foxconn employees were given up to 10 years and six months in prison for soliciting Tw$160 million in kickbacks from suppliers in exchange for clearing quality checks and buying their equipment. The company had also come under the spotlight over labour unrest, from employee suicides to the use of underage interns at its Chinese plants several years ago.

Foxconn ex-manager jailed for stealing 2,000 iPhones

Apple in a statement said today <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/apples-iphone-x-hits-asia-stores-as-profits-soar-23431">Chinese &quot;high school students were made</a> to work illegally overtime making the iPhone X by its supplier&nbsp;Foxconn violating local labour laws.

&quot;We&#39;ve confirmed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/apple-in-crisis-users-complaining-of-swollen-iphone-8-and-8-plus-21175">the students worked voluntarily, were</a> compensated and provided benefits, but they should not have been allowed to work overtime,&quot; Apple said in a statement.

The Financial Times in a report had said nearly 3,000 high school students were made to work for eleven hours a day in China&#39;s &nbsp;Zhengzhou city by iPhone&#39;s main Asian supplier Foxconn.

&quot;When we found that some students were allowed to work overtime, we took prompt action. A team of specialists is on site at the facility working with the management on systems to ensure the appropriate standards are adhered to,&quot; Apple said.

The Financial Times in its report said the students from Zhengzhou Urban Rail Transit School were made to work to &quot;log work experience required for graduation&quot;.

The report said the students, aged between 17-19, were being forced by their school to participate in the &quot;internship&quot;.

Apple&#39;s statement said that the company had sent staff to the site to address the violations.

&quot;Our policies do not allow interns to work more than 40 hours per week on programme-related assignments. Unfortunately, there have been a number of cases where portions of our campuses have not adhered to this policy,&quot; Foxconn said in a statement, adding that the interns accounted for a small part of the workforce.

Apple and Foxconn have been accused of poor labour practices in the past, five years ago Apple had said it had reduced the number of underage workers from its supply chain.

Zhengzhou, capital of China&#39;s Henan province is a major industrial town which hosts several technology companies.

The Financial Times in a report had said nearly 3,000 high school students were made to work for eleven hours a day in Zhengzhou by iPhone's main Asian supplier Foxconn

Apple in a statement said today Chinese "high school students were made to work illegally overtime making the iPhone X by its supplier Foxconn violating local labour laws. "We've confirmed the students worked voluntarily, were compensated and provided benefits, but they should not have been allowed to work overtime," Apple said in a statement. The Financial Times in a report had said nearly 3,000 high school students were made to work for eleven hours a day in China's Zhengzhou city by iPhone's main Asian supplier Foxconn. "When we found that some students were allowed to work overtime, we took prompt action. A team of specialists is on site at the facility working with the management on systems to ensure the appropriate standards are adhered to," Apple said. The Financial Times in its report said the students from Zhengzhou Urban Rail Transit School were made to work to "log work experience required for graduation". The report said the students, aged between 17-19, were being forced by their school to participate in the "internship". Apple's statement said that the company had sent staff to the site to address the violations. "Our policies do not allow interns to work more than 40 hours per week on programme-related assignments. Unfortunately, there have been a number of cases where portions of our campuses have not adhered to this policy," Foxconn said in a statement, adding that the interns accounted for a small part of the workforce. Apple and Foxconn have been accused of poor labour practices in the past, five years ago Apple had said it had reduced the number of underage workers from its supply chain. Zhengzhou, capital of China's Henan province is a major industrial town which hosts several technology companies.

Chinese students were made to work illegally overtime making iPhone X, confirms Apple

Taiwan&#39;s Foxconn will continue to pursue an acquisition of Toshiba Corp&#39;s chip business, a day after the troubled conglomerate chose a rival suitor as the preferred bidder, the head of Foxconn&#39;s Japanese unit said.

&quot;We will continue our efforts,&quot; Sharp Corp CEO Tai Jeng-wu told reporters on the sidelines of Foxconn&#39;s annual shareholders&#39; meeting. &quot;We will use our track record, our efforts at Sharp, Foxconn&#39;s global reach - we are a global company, not a Taiwan company,&quot; Tai said.

Foxconn is formally known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co.&nbsp;

Foxconn has also bid for the Toshiba's chip business, but the corporation did not respond to its request

Taiwan's Foxconn will continue to pursue an acquisition of Toshiba Corp's chip business, a day after the troubled conglomerate chose a rival suitor as the preferred bidder, the head of Foxconn's Japanese unit said. "We will continue our efforts," Sharp Corp CEO Tai Jeng-wu told reporters on the sidelines of Foxconn's annual shareholders' meeting. "We will use our track record, our efforts at Sharp, Foxconn's global reach - we are a global company, not a Taiwan company," Tai said. Foxconn is formally known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co.

Sharp CEO: Foxconn to continue to pursue Toshiba chip unit acquisition

The world&#39;s largest contract electronics maker, Foxconn is looking at six US states including Wisconsin as locations for a display-making plant. Top Executives said that the company would make the decision next month.

 
&quot;It is one of the six we are considering,&quot; Tai Jeng-wu, CEO of Foxconn&#39;s Japanese unit Sharp Corp and group vice chairman, told reporters on the sidelines of Foxconn&#39;s annual shareholders&#39; meeting.

Formally known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co, Foxconn has previously valued the proposed US investment at more than $7 billion.

 
The Taiwan-based company has been eyeing US investments for some time. The Chairman and Chief Executive Terry Gou visited the White House for talks in April. &quot;In July we will make a conclusion,&quot; Gou told shareholders at the company&#39;s annual meeting.

 
Foxconn operates vast factories in China, where it employs a million people and manufactures most of Apple iPhones, but so far it has not invested heavily in manufacturing in the United States.

 
Gou said in January that while the United States had no panel-making industry, it was the second-largest market for televisions.&quot;This time we go to America, it&#39;s not just to build a factory, but to move our entire supply chain there,&quot; he told shareholders, without providing specific details. 
Gou showed shareholders a picture of the &quot;rust belt&quot; depicting the states of Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Michigan, Kentucky and Pennsylvania. Though he did not name any of those states as potential locations for the plant. &nbsp;&quot;In the US, the state governors&#39; sincerity and confidence to attract investment ... is beyond my imagination,&quot; he said.

Wisconsin is one of the six states that Foxconn is considering for its display making plants

The world's largest contract electronics maker, Foxconn is looking at six US states including Wisconsin as locations for a display-making plant. Top Executives said that the company would make the decision next month. "It is one of the six we are considering," Tai Jeng-wu, CEO of Foxconn's Japanese unit Sharp Corp and group vice chairman, told reporters on the sidelines of Foxconn's annual shareholders' meeting. Formally known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co, Foxconn has previously valued the proposed US investment at more than $7 billion. The Taiwan-based company has been eyeing US investments for some time. The Chairman and Chief Executive Terry Gou visited the White House for talks in April. "In July we will make a conclusion," Gou told shareholders at the company's annual meeting. Foxconn operates vast factories in China, where it employs a million people and manufactures most of Apple iPhones, but so far it has not invested heavily in manufacturing in the United States. Gou said in January that while the United States had no panel-making industry, it was the second-largest market for televisions."This time we go to America, it's not just to build a factory, but to move our entire supply chain there," he told shareholders, without providing specific details. Gou showed shareholders a picture of the "rust belt" depicting the states of Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Michigan, Kentucky and Pennsylvania. Though he did not name any of those states as potential locations for the plant. "In the US, the state governors' sincerity and confidence to attract investment ... is beyond my imagination," he said.

Wisconsin one of six U.S. states Foxconn, Sharp considering for plant

Apple is considering teaming up with its supplier Foxconn to bid for Toshiba&rsquo;s semiconductor business, public broadcaster NHK said on Friday - the latest twist in the sale of the world&#39;s second-biggest flash memory chipmaker.

The US technology giant is considering investing at least several billion dollars to take a stake of more than 20 per cent in a plan that would have Toshiba maintain a partial holding to keep the business under US and Japanese control, NHK reported, citing unidentified sources.

The proposal is aimed at allaying the Japanese government&#39;s concerns over any transfer of sensitive technology to investors it deems a risk to national security, it said.

Foxconn, which participated in the first round of the auction, has been considered such a risk due to its deep ties with China. The bulk of Apple&#39;s iPhones are manufactured at Foxconn&#39;s extensive manufacturing base there.

NHK said Apple wants the Taiwan firm to own a stake of around 30 per cent of Toshiba&#39;s chip business.

Apple was not immediately available to comment. Foxconn, formally known as Hon Hai Precision Industry, declined to comment.

An investment by Apple would be its first direct stake in a major global memory chipmaker as it seeks to secure a stable supply of key components. Samsung is the biggest maker of flash memory chips, followed by Toshiba, SK Hynix, and US-based Micron Technology.

The report comes as Western Digital, Toshiba&#39;s partner and one of the bidders of its chip business, warned this week that the Japanese firm is violating a joint venture contract in plans to sell to its chip unit, and urged that it be given exclusive negotiating rights.

The auction of the prized asset is essential to Toshiba&#39;s plans to cover multi-billion writedowns at US nuclear unit Westinghouse that have plunged it into crisis.

Toshiba has narrowed down the field of bidders for its chip unit to four suitors, sources have also said.

They are US chipmaker Broadcom Ltd, which has partnered with private equity firm Silver Lake Partners LP; South Korea&#39;s SK Hynix; Foxconn, the world&#39;s largest contract electronics maker, and Western Digital.

Broadcom has put in the highest first-round offer of 2.5 trillion yen ($23 billion), while Foxconn offered 2 trillion yen, a person briefed on the matter told Reuters this week.

Apple was not part of any of those four bids, according to the person. It is unclear whether it participated in the first round of the auction that sources have said drew around 10 offers.

Shares in Toshiba fell 5 per cent on Friday, hit by a Bloomberg report that the chip business sale had been temporarily put on hold to address the concerns raised by Western Digital, which Toshiba denied.

&quot;It is not true Toshiba has put the chip sale process on hold,&quot; a Toshiba spokesman said.

(Reuters)

An investment by Apple would be its first direct stake in a major global chipmaker as it seeks to secure a stable supply of key components

Apple is considering teaming up with its supplier Foxconn to bid for Toshiba’s semiconductor business, public broadcaster NHK said on Friday - the latest twist in the sale of the world's second-biggest flash memory chipmaker. The US technology giant is considering investing at least several billion dollars to take a stake of more than 20 per cent in a plan that would have Toshiba maintain a partial holding to keep the business under US and Japanese control, NHK reported, citing unidentified sources. The proposal is aimed at allaying the Japanese government's concerns over any transfer of sensitive technology to investors it deems a risk to national security, it said. Foxconn, which participated in the first round of the auction, has been considered such a risk due to its deep ties with China. The bulk of Apple's iPhones are manufactured at Foxconn's extensive manufacturing base there. NHK said Apple wants the Taiwan firm to own a stake of around 30 per cent of Toshiba's chip business. Apple was not immediately available to comment. Foxconn, formally known as Hon Hai Precision Industry, declined to comment. An investment by Apple would be its first direct stake in a major global memory chipmaker as it seeks to secure a stable supply of key components. Samsung is the biggest maker of flash memory chips, followed by Toshiba, SK Hynix, and US-based Micron Technology. The report comes as Western Digital, Toshiba's partner and one of the bidders of its chip business, warned this week that the Japanese firm is violating a joint venture contract in plans to sell to its chip unit, and urged that it be given exclusive negotiating rights. The auction of the prized asset is essential to Toshiba's plans to cover multi-billion writedowns at US nuclear unit Westinghouse that have plunged it into crisis. Toshiba has narrowed down the field of bidders for its chip unit to four suitors, sources have also said. They are US chipmaker Broadcom Ltd, which has partnered with private equity firm Silver Lake Partners LP; South Korea's SK Hynix; Foxconn, the world's largest contract electronics maker, and Western Digital. Broadcom has put in the highest first-round offer of 2.5 trillion yen ($23 billion), while Foxconn offered 2 trillion yen, a person briefed on the matter told Reuters this week. Apple was not part of any of those four bids, according to the person. It is unclear whether it participated in the first round of the auction that sources have said drew around 10 offers. Shares in Toshiba fell 5 per cent on Friday, hit by a Bloomberg report that the chip business sale had been temporarily put on hold to address the concerns raised by Western Digital, which Toshiba denied. "It is not true Toshiba has put the chip sale process on hold," a Toshiba spokesman said. (Reuters)

Apple considers bidding for big stake in Toshiba's chip business: Report

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