Huawei boss defends US companies against rising Chinese nationalism
- Don’t politicise consumer products with patriotism, says founder Ren Zhengfei
- Save criticism for politicians.
Huawei Technologies founder Ren Zhengfei has moved to quell a rising tide of nationalistic fervour in China against US firms, including Google and Intel, following last week’s blacklisting of the world’s No 2 smartphone maker by the Trump administration.
Speaking to mainland media outlets on Tuesday, Ren cautioned Chinese media and consumers against equating buying decisions with patriotism and called for an end to criticism of US corporations.
“Let’s speak out more in favour of US firms. If you are going to attack someone, then aim at the US politicians,” Ren said.
“I’m pragmatic. One can’t be deemed patriotic simply for using Huawei products, or the other way round. Huawei is a commercial business. If you like [the product] then use it. Do not politicise it,” he said, adding that he and his family continued to use Apple products.
His comments follow a surge in nationalistic sentiment in China in response to a series of moves in recent weeks by the US – including an increase in tariffs on US$200 billion worth of Chinese goods – which have increasingly focused on concerns about Huawei.