Clashes in China during a demonstration at the largest iPhone factory

Massive protests erupted on Wednesday at the world’s largest iPhone factory in China. This is the property of the Taiwanese subcontractor Foxconn. The factory is located in Zhengzhou, central Henan province.

Images posted on various social media show, in particular, a crowd of day workers marching down the street, some of whom are standing in front of a crowd of people in white full hazmat suits and riot police. An excerpt from a video broadcast, live at night, dozens of workers shout: “Let’s defend our rights!” in front of police lines and a police car with flashing lights.

Other footage shows a worker placing a metal barrier on the floor as the video’s author yells, “They’re charging!” and “Tear gas canisters!” “. The photo taken during the day shows the charred remains of the portal, apparently burned at night.

The #Foxconnriots hashtag is being censored on Chinese social media. However, several reports of protests remain online.

Painful treatment for Covid-19

Foxconn is a large group that assembles electronic products for many international brands. The Taiwanese company, Apple’s main subcontractor, has seen a rise in Covid-19 cases in recent months at its massive Zhengzhou facility, the world’s largest iPhone factory. The complex employs over 200,000 people, usually living on site.

Foxconn decided to limit the site to workers inside. But then hundreds of panicked workers fled on foot.

The Taiwan Group is China’s largest private sector employer. The company employs more than a million people across the country, spread across 30 factories and research institutes. Foxconn did not immediately respond to a request for comment.