Beijing Versus McDonald's, Siemens, Mercedes, Audi, and General Motors
Today's match is . . . Beijing versus McDonald's, Siemens, Mercedes, Audi, and General Motors!
And why, exactly?
Because these corporations have listed Taiwan as a "country" on their global websites.
Taiwan is a democratic country and has no intention of intervening in the issue of whether or not international companies observe this categorization, the nation's top cross-strait policymaking body said in reaction to Beijing's protest to some international companies over the issue. As part of its efforts to press its "one-China" policy, Beijing has shifted its attention to international companies after it was discovered that some enterprises have categorized Taiwan as a "country" on their global Web sites. Companies challenged by China media include McDonald's, Siemens, Mercedes, Audi, and General Motors Corporation. |
By the way, the bullying seems to have taken some effect as for this right moment as I'm typing:
- McDonald's -- I went to check, and the drop-down "Country" list is now labeled "Country/Region."
- Siemens -- now lists its international sub-sites not under "Country" but as "Worldwide."
- Mercedes -- the drop-down "Country" list is now labeled "Country/Region."
- Audi -- Still has Taiwan as a "Country" once you choose Asia as the continent you want.
- General Motors -- Under the heading "GM Worldwide," GM lists Taiwan -- and every other nation -- as "locations" under "Worldwide Sites."
I am beginning if there is a room somewhere in China where government employees do nothing but surf international corporation websites, looking for references to Taiwan so Beijing can pick on those companies! You know, it is one thing to pick on Taiwan itself (Chen *is* pushing for a new constitution), but picking on multinational corporations sounds like conspiracy-paranoia.