We already know about how Huawei’s US ban and the string of severance of ties by US-based companies caused ripples in the industry. Many are even expecting retaliatory steps from China soon. And to make matters worse, resentment for products from US-based companies like Apple is growing aggressively. Amid this tension, Huawei CEO and founder, Ren Zhengfei, made a statement that created waves.
In a media interaction, the Huawei chief praised the iPhone ecosystem. And not just that! Zhengfei also revealed that he buys iPhone models for his family members when they are abroad. In addition, he even added that love for the Huawei brand is not equivalent to loving Huawei phones.
The South China Morning Post quoted Zhengfei, “iPhone has a good ecosystem. And when my family is abroad, I still buy them iPhones. One can’t narrowly think the love for Huawei should mean loving Huawei phones.” The statement by the Huawei CEO came as a shocker, especially in the time when a wave of nationalistic fervor is sweeping across China. The Chinese users are boycotting US-based products and favoring domestic brand Huawei.
Campaigns like ‘Switch to Huawei’ is gaining traction on social media platforms in China. And the number of users advocating to boycott smartphones made by foreign companies are multiplying. While the feeling of nationalism drives some, others cited Huawei’s product superiority as the reason behind the switch.
