[strogonoff]

So your idea is that the presence of Apple helps (props up) CCP, the absence would hurt CCP? Any details as to how?

My belief is it's the opposite and I've outlined why I think Apple’s withdrawal would strengthen the regime in my comment above.

[john-shaffer]

If the CCP believed that Apple's absence would strengthen the regime, then they would get rid of Apple. Clearly they think it's in their best interest to have Apple around. You can disagree with them, but I think the CCP is much better positioned to know what's in their interest than we are.

[strogonoff]

You are granting CCP omniscience, power and integrity they don't have.

Apple probably came to China to expand their market, had enough lawyers to navigate the muddy bureaucracy, CCP could block them regardless but decided to let them open shops and profit from taxes for now. Many Chinese would buy Apple products overseas in HK or Taiwan anyway; CCP is powerless to stop it and would not mind a share of the sales.

CCP may be blind to Western values brought in by Apple, or discount their influence, or tolerate them for now because it is economically lucrative.