The article ignorantly makes it sound like Apple is betraying its users in “a dick move”, but this is all required by the new Chinese cybersecurity laws. Just Google “China data center law” and find out for yourself. And everyone’s in the same boat, from social media to connected car services. Other companies will all have to do the same thing.
First, you’re required to keep data about Chinese people in China.
Second, in order to do that, you must have your data center in China.
Third, in order to do that, you must either enter into a JV that will, like all China JVs with foreign companies, be majority-owned by a local Chinese partner (this is what Apple is doing), or lease services from a local Chinese partner.
They get you coming and going. That’s always been the Chinese business model for dealing with foreign corporations.
