NIKE CEO BOWS DOWN TO CHINA: “Nike is a brand that is of China and for China”

Nike CEO John Donahoe has vocally pledged his support to China. “We are the largest sport brand there, and we are a brand of China and for China,” Donahoe said in an earnings call.

“And the biggest asset we have in China is the consumer equity. Consumers feel a strong, deep connection to the NIKE, Jordan and Converse brands in China. And it’s real.” “We’ve always taken a long-term view. We’ve been in China for over 40 years,” he said, “Phil [Knight] invested significant time and energy in China in the early days and today we’re the largest sports brand there,” Donahoe said in reference to Nike’s co-founder.

Nike saw its profits in greater China rise by 17% in the first three months of 2021, and Donohue touted his confidence that China would continue to be a fast-growing market for the company. Nike, along with other American corporations like Coca-Cola and Apple, has also pushed back on legislation in Congress that would crack down on forced labor in China.

“Nike has long prioritized constructive discussions on issues of respecting human rights and enabling responsible manufacturing with Members of Congress, congressional staff and other government officials,” Nike told the Daily Caller in December when asked about their opposition to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. Nike has also been very critical of several policies in America, such as the recent Georgia voting law.