Epoch Times reported that Huawei has taken a low-key approach because of the restrictions the Western countries have placed on its products due to their fear that Huawei is spying for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Founder Ren Zhengfei said, “If they don’t want Huawei to stay in certain markets, we can reduce our scale.” Huawei Chairman Liang Hua said at the Davos Economic Forum that, if the restrictions continue, Huawei might have to exit from Western countries.
However, Beijing has taken a strong stance against Canada. After Canada arrested Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou, It arrested at least 10 Canadian citizens and modified one Canadian’s sentence to the death penalty. China’s Ambassador Lu Shaye threatened Canada saying that there will be severe consequences if Canada restricts Huawei from supplying 5G network equipment to its market.
Epoch Times collected opinions from several newspapers and commentators on why Huawei and Beijing are taking different stances.
Hong Kong Economic Times thinks that Huawei is taking a soft approach in order to try to resolve its crisis or minimize its impact. Having a strong position would create more conflict between Huawei and the Western countries. Also a strong position will not help Ren Zhengfei save his daughter since the judicial systems of the U.S. and Canada are independent and will not yield to Huawei.
Hu Ping, Honorary Chief Editor of Beijing Spring suggested that Beijing is worried about Huawei being targeted. Huawei is related to the CCP’s future economy and high-tech development plans, so Beijing is taking a tough stance to protect its interests.
Source: Epoch Times, January 23, 2019
http://www.epochtimes.com/gb/19/1/23/n10996914.htm