Taiwanese authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Pete Lau, the CEO of OnePlus, due to allegations surrounding the illegal employment of workers in Taiwan. This development follows the indictment of two Taiwanese nationals who were previously employed by Lau. The accusations center around claims that the China-based smartphone manufacturer illegally hired over 70 engineers from Taiwan.
According to officials from the Shilin District Prosecutors Office, OnePlus allegedly established a shell company in Hong Kong, and subsequently opened a branch in Taiwan in 2015 without the necessary governmental approval. The branch, it is said, was involved in research and development activities for OnePlus mobile phones. These actions are thought to be in violation of the Cross-Strait Act, legislation intended to regulate interactions between Taiwan and mainland China. Notably, one provision of this act mandates that Chinese companies must receive authorization from the Taiwanese government prior to hiring Taiwanese workers.
This situation highlights ongoing tensions and regulatory challenges surrounding cross-strait business operations. If convicted, the repercussions could extend beyond OnePlus, potentially impacting the broader landscape for Chinese companies operating in Taiwan. However, the case also presents an opportunity for strengthened enforcement of employment regulations, which may ultimately lead to a more orderly and fair marketplace in the region.