As the death toll from Aug. 5, Monday's 6.6 magnitude earthquake approaches 65, international humanitarian organizations and foreign governments are rushing to get much-needed funds and supplies to the provinces of Sichuan and Chengdu, which are also under a COVID lockdown due to an increase in infection cases.
Apple CEO Tim Cook vowed to donate to relief and rescue efforts in China's earthquake-hit provinces. The billionaire announced today, Sept. 7, that Apple would donate to support ongoing relief and rebuilding efforts. "Our hearts go out to all the families and communities affected by the earthquake in Sichuan," Cook said on a Weibo post.
Apple and China
Apple is significantly reliant on China for global supply and the production of the numerous gadgets available in the massive tech company's portfolio. Apple manufactures a substantial percentage of its technology in China, and the corporation also relies on the Asian country for the variety of products it makes available to the public. The Cupertino company's devices are labeled "Designed by Apple in California; Assembled in China," which reveals a lot about Apple's technology and manufacturing preferences.
According to The South China Morning Post, Apple's iPhones made nearly half of all cellphones sold in China for more than $400 (USD )in the second quarter, securing the US tech giant's position as the leading seller of premium handsets in the market.
Apple Sends Aid to Flood-Stricken Pakistan
Apple CEO Tim Cook announced last month that the company would donate to flood relief and recovery efforts in Pakistan and surrounding areas where glacial melt and heightened monsoon activity have resulted in devastating floods.
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"The floods in Pakistan and surrounding areas are devastating humanitarian disasters. Our thoughts are with those that have lost loved ones, the many displaced families, and all those affected. Apple will donate to relief and recovery efforts on the ground," Cook said in a tweet from Aug. 31.
Alibaba, Tencent, ByteDance, and More to Chip in Millions
Despite distancing their business from China because of strict corporate laws and censorship, a number of domestic tech businesses expressed willingness to chip into the relief efforts for the provinces affected by the 6.6 magnitude earthquake.
SCMP reported that e-commerce juggernaut Alibaba Group Holding, social media and video gaming giant Tencent Holdings, TikTok owner ByteDance, electric vehicle manufacturers BYD Auto and Li Auto, and electric car battery manufacturer CATL have all set aside 5 million yuan each for recovery efforts in Sichuan.
NetEase, the second-largest video game firm in China, and smartphones maker Xiaomi each contributed 1.5 million yuan and 1 million yuan, respectively.
More About Tim Cook and Apple's Philanthropy
Back in 2015, after ascending from Steve Job's shadow, Tim Cook revealed that he plans to give away all his wealth after providing for the college education of his 10-year-old nephew. Cook told Fortune that plenty should be left over to fund philanthropic projects.
Earlier this year, ex-richest man Bill Gates donated virtually all of his fortune to his own charity.
