BYD Brazil scandal exposes flaws in Chinese investment – DW – 01/08/2025
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"Slavery-like" working conditions have been uncovered at the Chinese EV maker's factory site in Brazil, casting a spotlight on the standards maintained by Chinese companies outsourcing workers at foreign locations.

Summary

Brazilian authorities uncovered “slavery-like” conditions at BYD’s factory construction site in Bahia, rescuing 163 Chinese workers subjected to withheld passports, withheld wages, and unsanitary conditions.

The site, managed by contractor Jinjiang Group, was shut down, and BYD faces scrutiny despite its promises to cooperate.

The case highlights tensions between Chinese investment and local labor standards, sparking debates in Brazil and China over worker rights.

Experts see this as an example for Chinese investors to respect Brazil’s independent judiciary while noting it won’t deter future Chinese investments.

  • Flying SquidMEnglish
    0•5 hours ago

    You’re denying you’re engaging in whataboutism, so yes it is on you. You have made a claim now.

    • @[email protected]English
      1•5 hours ago

      You have made a claim now.

      It’s you who made the claim that I am engaging in “whataboutism”. It’s on you to show that what you’ve said is true.

      • Flying SquidMEnglish
        0•5 hours ago

        I already did. More than once. And then you made the claim that you were not. So the burden of proof is now on you. It’s not my fault if you made a claim you can’t back up.

        Incidentally, you haven’t even bothered explaining what you did mean if you weren’t engaging in whataboutism and I think we both know why.

        • @[email protected]English
          1•4 hours ago

          I already did.

          I don’t believe you have. Could you quote the text where you demonstrate that I’m engaging in “whataboutism”?

          you haven’t even bothered explaining what you did mean if you weren’t engaging in whataboutism

          I meant what I wrote. If you’re confused about the meaning of anything I’ve written, feel free to ask me to clarify, I’m happy to explain.

          I think we both know why

          I think you’re not engaging in this discussion in good faith.

          • Flying SquidMEnglish
            1•4 hours ago

            I meant what I wrote.

            That’s not an explanation. So all I can assume is that you were engaging in whataboutism. I asked you what you were doing if it wasn’t whataboutism multiple times and you refuse to say. I have no other option than to assume I’m correct and you are refusing to admit it.

            I believe the general order of events is for you to insult me now.

            • @[email protected]English
              1•4 hours ago

              That’s not an explanation.

              Indeed. I’m not sure why you expected an explanation.

              all I can assume is that you were engaging in whataboutism

              That’s not rational.

              • @[email protected]English
                1•2 hours ago

                I believe you but the case you made is absolute ass

                I assume you brought that point up not as ‘what about the west’ but ‘west does it so they won’t care about china’

              • Flying SquidMEnglish
                0•4 hours ago

                Without an alternate explanation to the one I came up with, it’s absolutely rational to continue with my explanation.

                If you wish to offer an alternate one for me to consider, feel free. You won’t because you were, in fact, engaging in whataboutism. And now you’re being ridiculous about it.

                • @[email protected]English
                  1•3 hours ago

                  Without an alternate explanation to the one I came up with, it’s absolutely rational to continue with my explanation.

                  No it is not.

                  • Flying SquidMEnglish
                    1•3 hours ago

                    Oh, well I can’t counter such a well-reasoned rebuttal.