Huawei Arrest Sparks Chinese Backlash That Could Hurt U.S. Talks
Social media users call for boycotts, leave angry comments-
Companies offer subsidies if employees buy Huawei products
Calls to boycott Canadian goods, throw away iPhones and load up on
handsets are among signs of budding public anger in China over the arrest of the Chinese technology giant’s chief financial officer in Vancouver.
A number of Chinese companies have posted
to their social media accounts proclaiming support for Huawei, while offering employees subsidies and other incentives to purchase the firm’s products. Shenzhen-based Menpad also threatened to
employees if they bought Apple Inc.’s phones, according to its website, while some social media users offered ideas on how to get rid of iPhones.
The arrest of Meng Wanzhou has grabbed global attention amid concerns her detention could derail talks between the U.S. and China to hammer out a trade deal. Escalating public outrage in China could leave Beijing little room to compromise as authorities weigh their desire to buoy the economy against the need to not appear weak at home.
Over the past weekend, the Chinese government separately summoned the ambassadors of Canada and the U.S. to condemn the arrest, including
of grave consequences. China’s state media have
a “despicable rogue’s approach" and painted the move as a politically motivated effort to contain China’s rise.
Canadian authorities detained Meng on Dec. 1 on behalf of the U.S., which alleges she committed fraud to sidestep sanctions against Iran and is seeking her extradition to stand trial.
Comparatively Muted
Though the sentiment echoes the fury that erupted into anti-Japanese
and boycotts in 2012 over control of islands claimed by both countries, the reaction to Meng’s arrest is still comparatively muted, and has been contained mostly online. The protests six years earlier saw demonstrators
, set fire to some showrooms and force the closure of Uniqlo apparel outlets owned by Fast Retailing Co.
with comments denouncing the arrest and calling for Meng’s release. Calls have also gone out on Weibo to boycott
, including Canada Goose Holdings Inc. The luxury parka-maker, which has plans to launch a flagship store in Beijing, has seen its stock plunge 18 percent since news of Meng’s arrest.
Chinese authorities do appear to be taking steps to rein in the furor, according to a report by China Digital Times. The U.S.-based outlet, which tracks China’s censorship of online content, reported that Chinese media received a government
to stick to official reporting on the arrest and to "strictly manage comments."
Meanwhile, security outside the U.S. embassy in Beijing is tight. On Tuesday afternoon, at least 10 policemen stood guard in addition to the usual military personnel, accompanied by a German Shepherd guard dog. A police car was seen parked outside the Canadian building this morning, while a police officer patrolled the street.
