

There is never a good time for international phone companies trying to sell their products to patriotic China.



But one company has gone one step further in making life difficult for Apple buyers.

As the BBC reports, a Chinese pharmaceutical company dedicated to promoting "nationalism" dropped the bombshell that it could discipline or even fire any member of staff who purchase Apple's new iPhone 7.





The radical move, which is part of a protest against the lack of a traditional headphone jack, means employees have no choice but to stay away from the brand new Apple device if they want any chance of promotion or even keeping their job at all.



So why would a mobile phone trigger such hostility?



The firm is claiming that their radical rule is all in the name of patriotism, as well as to prevent its staff from becoming too "materialistic".



Incidentally, the policy's timing coincides with the 85th anniversary of Japanese troops invading northeast China in 1931. A company notice issued to all employees reads:

"September 18th is a historical day. Don't forget the national humiliation and let's boycott foreign products."



The Nanyang Yongkang Medicine Company directly threatens termination of employment with its notice: "If you break this rule, then just come to the office straight way to hand in your resignation."