A News Invitation or a News Challenge
This message appeared on a ‘front page’ of a Washington Post article. It’s a message from the world’s largest communications equipment maker following the arrest of the company chief financial officer (CF0), Meng Wanzhou.
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“We would like the US public to get to know us better, as we will you.”
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First, let’s play a little catch-up. Wanzhou was arrested in Canada at the request of the United States. The specific reasons for the arrest have been confusing, but a combination of speculation and analysis suggests that it was because of Huawei’s dealings with Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions against Iran.
Disclaimer #1: Why a Chinese firm’s office should be arrested for violating U.S. sanctions escapes me.
Disclaimer #2: There is also speculation that Huawei has incorporated tracking information on its cell phones.
The U.S. has asked the Canadian government to extradite her to the U.S. Almost needless to say, Huawei is fighting this on legal grounds and what one would suspect is personal grounds. Oh, did I mention she is the daughter of the founder of the company?
Anyway, back to the point of this article. The company took an aggressive stance not just in the courts but with the news media. That part was the invitation to media so “that we can come to understand each other better.”
It is an extremely well written letter with a combination of flattery:
“The US is a shining example of how to inspire passion for technological innovation and development. We too have been inspired by your history of creativity and hard work.”
And almost cajoling:
“I would like to invite members of the US media to visit our campuses and meet our employees. I hope that you can take what you see and hear back to your readers, viewers, and listeners, and share this message with them, to let them know that our doors are always open.”
Now, as far as I can tell from my research, only one news organization has followed up on that offer.
Let me try to work around the silly Medium “rules.” Click on this — https:/ /www.youtube.com/watch?v=O83OHozo-OQ
Disclaimer #3 — The CBS does not acknowledge an invitation from Huawei in this article and it may be that it did indeed request such an interview independently.
Now, let me be clear. This is an “unusual” company and many of the allegations of impropriety are still up for debate.
And it is a little more than ‘disturbing’ that some of the efforts by the company to establish itself as a ‘legitimate’ and caring corporation are subject to debate such as its efforts to sponsor university research.
I should note in fairness that Huawei has some very… very… very… avid supporters. The company is well respected in the China of today. What that means to Americans is debatable but still something we should consider.
Back to the main point — How unusual and fascinating and challenging is it that Huawei extended this unusual invitation? Very unusual, and maybe — very smart.
But aside from the questionable take up the challenge from the CBS, who else has accepted the challenge?
ME!
I will let you know what happens.
