Summary
Jinjiang Group, a BYD contractor, denied Brazilian authorities’ claims that 163 Chinese workers were in “slavery-like conditions” at a Brazilian factory.
Jinjiang claimed translation misunderstandings and cultural differences, stating workers voluntarily handed over passports.
BYD, distancing itself from the issue, cut ties with the contractor and is cooperating with authorities. China’s foreign ministry is also investigating.
The factory is central to BYD’s expansion in Brazil, its largest overseas market, with production set to begin in 2024 or 2025.
And they voluntarily handed over their salaries too?
Also, that one law they are responding to (“slavery-like conditions”) would be broken without they arresting people in place and refusing to pay them. That “like” is there for a reason. It’s not clear if they’ll get charged for actual slavery (and thus go to jail), China may take over that one claim.