China Moves to Stall Apple, BYD Production Shifts in Asia

China is making it harder for employees and specialized equipment needed for high-tech manufacturing in India and Southeast Asia to leave its borders, according to people familiar with the matter, a possible attempt to prevent companies from shifting production in anticipation of higher tariffs under US President-elect Donald Trump.

Officials in Beijing have verbally encouraged regulatory agencies and local governments to curb technology transfers and equipment exports to the regions, one of the people said, asking not to be identified because the discussions are private. The aim is to shore up China’s own production, reduce any potential job cuts, and prevent foreign investors from fleeing the country if the US imposes new trade barriers, the person said.