Factory Worker Sits Between Musk & Cook at Trump China Banquet
A 56-year-old Chinese businesswoman, previously a factory worker, gained unexpected prominence after being seated between Tim Cook and Elon Musk at a state banquet hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping for US President Donald Trump. The dinner took place on May 14th during President Trump’s visit to China.
The unusual seating arrangement at the high-profile event quickly sparked widespread discussion and went viral online. The businesswoman, whose name has been widely reported as Zhou Qunfei, is the founder and chairwoman of Lens Technology, a major supplier of glass screens for smartphones and tablets, including those manufactured by Apple and used by Tesla.
Zhou Qunfei’s story is remarkable. She began her working life as a factory worker at a glass factory in Shenzhen in 1984. Following a period of further training, she moved to Foxconn, a key Apple supplier, where she developed expertise in glass processing. In 2003, she founded Lens Technology, which rapidly grew to become a global leader in its field.
Lens Technology's significant role in the supply chains of major tech companies like Apple and Tesla contributes to Zhou Qunfei’s estimated multibillionaire status. The seating arrangement at the state banquet highlighted the growing influence of Chinese business leaders on the global stage and provided an unexpected focal point during President Trump’s visit.
