US ban on Huawei’s 5G technology could be a blessing in disguise for the Chinese brand, say PR experts
- US pressure on allies to not use Huawei’s 5G network equipment may have helped entrench company’s image as global leader in the technology
- In one of his latest TV appearances, Huawei chairman thanked US for ‘promoting’ the company and referred to Trump administration leaders as ‘great figures’
The US government’s efforts to pressure its allies against using Huawei Technologies’ 5G telecommunications network equipment have given rise to allegations of intellectual property theft and close ties to the Chinese government.
They may also have helped entrench the company’s image as the global leader in the technology among some quarters.
“The [media] coverage, seemingly negative by connecting Huawei to security risks, to some extent acknowledges Huawei as a leading global player in 5G technology,” said Andy Wong, associate dean of the business school at Chinese University of Hong Kong. “There’s a chance that Huawei can turn the crisis into an opportunity.”
In one of his latest television appearances as part of Huawei’s ongoing PR campaign, the company’s 74 year old founder and chairman Ren Zhengfei thanked the US for “promoting” Huawei and referred to Trump administration leaders as “great figures”.
“5G was not known by common people. But now, these great figures are all talking about 5G… And we're becoming more influential and getting more contracts,” Ren said in an interview with CBS on Thursday.