> He doesn't have to show up at this conference I agree. But that would be mostly meaningful gesture as it wouldn't change anything. > he can make a speech th

> He doesn't have to show up at this conference I agree. But that would be mostly meaningful gesture as it wouldn't change anything. > he can make a speech that promotes the freedom of the Chinese people This might be more meaningful and would actually mean he is putting something on the line / has skin in the game. Which is why I can't imagine Cook doing that. He would be putting Apple's business in China in danger by doing that. > There are many other ways to navigate the situation; see my prior comment regarding that subject. Yes, but the more meaningful actions Cook / Apple could take, the more likely it would damage their business. So it is against their interest to do anything other than empty gestures.