Taiwanese PC maker Gigabyte apologizes for mocking quality of “Made in China” components

Taiwan-based PC maker GIGABYTE (TWSE:2376) issued an apology today, after facing criticism in China over statements made on its website which implied that computer components manufactured in China were of inferior quality to those made in Taiwan.

The introduction to Gigabyte’s e-sports notebook series “Aero” claimed that Gigabyte implements strict quality control, manufacturing their notebook computers in Taiwan instead of China, where product quality is low.

The comment drew the ire of Chinese Internet users on social media platforms such as Weibo, with many Chinese expressing outrage at the company for “mocking” Chinese product quality. Those expressing offense included the official channel of the Communist Youth League of the Communist Party of China, who posted on Weibo: “GIGABYTE, who gave you such courage?”

Products sold by the company also disappeared from online shopping channels such as JD.com and Suning.com.

Gigabyte apologized on Weibo today, Tuesday, May 11, saying that the statement was false, and was a mistake caused by internal management. The statement pointed out that Gigabyte has been doing business on “the mainland” for over 20 years, and that more than 90% of its PC and related hardware capacity was located on the “Chinese mainland.”

Gigabyte also promised to deeply review, and rectify its wrong actions to comply with “national principles,” saying that the company has “always adhered to the one-China principle, and opposed any form of separatist behavior or remarks.”

“We sincerely apologize for the discomfort caused to everyone,” the apology stated.

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