Chinese Netizens on Meng Wanzhou Verdict: "Canada Is the United States' Pet Dog"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Sunmi Park] Despite continued attacks from the United States and Canada on Chinese telecommunications equipment company Huawei, the prevailing view is that Huawei will not change its previously decided management structure or strategy. Within China, public opinion is forming that the recent Canadian court ruling has once again revealed Canada as a lapdog of the United States.

On the 29th, Global Times reported that Huawei has once again attracted global attention due to the Canadian court ruling on Meng Wanzhou, Huawei's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Vice Chairwoman, stating, "Those familiar with Huawei commonly believe that Huawei will never succumb to the ongoing attacks from the United States."

Insiders commented, "Although this ruling is disappointing, Huawei's management strategy prepared in response to U.S. sanctions will not change," adding, "The technological capabilities Huawei has built over the years combined with public opinion that the Canadian court ruling against Vice Chairwoman Meng is unjust will instead create a strong force enabling Huawei to face any future challenges."

Ma Zhihua, a telecommunications and IT expert based in Beijing, explained, "Huawei may have already anticipated the ruling. This is the background for judging that the ruling will not significantly affect Huawei's existing strategy."

Some suggest that this ruling will lead Huawei to make more solid preparations for management succession. Since Vice Chairwoman Meng is the daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, many have viewed her as his successor.

The newspaper analyzed that although the Canadian court ruled that the charges against Vice Chairwoman Meng, who was indicted in the United States, constitute a crime even if committed in Canada, this means that the likelihood of Meng being extradited to the United States soon has increased.

Huawei expressed disappointment over the ruling in a statement. The Chinese Embassy in Canada also issued a statement saying, "China strongly objects to and expresses serious regret over the Canadian court's decision regarding Vice Chairwoman Meng," adding, "Canada has joined the United States' efforts to undermine Huawei and Chinese high-tech companies. The Chinese government urges the immediate release of Vice Chairwoman Meng."

Among Chinese netizens, strong public opinion criticizing Canada and the United States is also forming. One netizen pointed out that "Canada is siding with the United States in suppressing foreign companies through political means disguised as legal procedures." Another netizen remarked, "This ruling shows that Canada remains an unwavering lapdog of the United States."