In 2017, Apple rolled out a flurry of projects executives hoped would endear it to Chinese officials. It announced three new research and development centers in China and ceded control of Chinese user data to a local partner. Soon after, Apple’s newly appointed head of Greater China, Isabel Ge Mahe, had meetings with Chinese regulators.
Instead of praising Apple’s overtures, the officials delivered a blunt message: Apple wasn’t untouchable and had better comply with all Chinese laws, according to a person briefed on the meetings.