iKick for reporter who got too close to Apple supplier in China

The Foxconn International factory at Longhua in Guanlan, southern China, supplies parts for Apple, which takes security so seriously that some of the California company’s contractor compounds resemble industrial fortresses.

Inside the “walled city” at Longhua - one of several compounds run by Foxconn - employees are provided with most of their daily needs, from dormitories, canteens, recreation facilities, banks, post offices and bakeries.

As the Reuters journalist stood on the public road taking photos of the front gate and security checkpoint, a guard shouted, Reuters reported under the joint bylines of James Pomfret and Kelvin Soh. “The reporter continued snapping photos before jumping into a waiting taxi. The guard blocked the vehicle and ordered the driver to stop, threatening to strip him of his taxi license.

“The correspondent got out and insisted he was within his rights as he was on the main road. The guard grabbed his arm. A second guard ran over, and with a crowd of Foxconn workers watching, they tried dragging him into the factory.

“The reporter asked to be let go. When that didn't happen, he jerked himself free and started walking off. The older guard kicked him in the leg, while the second threatened to hit him again if he moved. A few minutes later, a Foxconn security car came along but the reporter refused to board it. He called the police instead.

“After the authorities arrived and mediated, the guards apologized and the matter was settled. The reporter left without filing a complaint, though the police gave him the option of doing so.

"’You're free to do what you want,’ the policeman explained, ‘But this is Foxconn and they have a special status here. Please understand.’

Editor-in-chief David Schlesinger made the story his choice “must read”. ■