Recently, Olympic diving champion Quan Hongyan from Paris was accused of being unpatriotic by some netizens for buying an iPhone for her mother instead of a Huawei phone, a label pinned on her by some online nationalists. Many internet users criticized this labeling as moral kidnapping, pointing out that even Huawei’s founder Ren Zhengfei uses an iPhone.
At 17 years old, Quan Hongyan won gold medals in the women’s 10-meter platform and the women’s synchronized 10-meter platform at the Paris Olympics. She returned to her hometown of Zhanjiang, Guangdong, with the glow of her Olympic victories, attracting attention all along the way.
Reports surfaced online claiming that Quan Hongyan was spotted shopping in the streets of Guangzhou.
A circulated photo showed Quan Hongyan at an Apple store dressed casually, receiving a product from a store employee. A person claiming to be a salesperson at the Apple Wanda store in Panyu, commented that Quan Hongyan said it was for her mother and requested one with a large storage capacity.
On August 22, the Wanda store in Panyu, Guangzhou confirmed that Quan Hongyan purchased an iPhone 15 Pro Max on the 21st, not disclosing if it was a gift for her family or whether any discounts were given.
The topic “Store responds to Quan Hongyan purchasing a phone for her mother” trended as the number one hot search on Weibo. Many netizens praised Quan Hongyan for her filial piety, but there were also nationalists criticizing her for being unpatriotic, suggesting that as a public figure, she should be supporting Chinese brands like Huawei.
Many internet users condemned the attack on Quan Hongyan, emphasizing that the choice of phone brand is her personal freedom and should not be subject to moral coercion.
On Weibo, influential figures added their opinions on the matter. “StoneTech Enthusiast” said, “It’s classic moral coercion again. It’s her freedom to choose whatever phone she wants. Why can’t she buy an Apple?”
Renowned for his expertise in traditional furniture making, Weibo influencer “ShiningBigBull” commented, “It’s her own money, she can buy whatever she wants!! No one has the right to criticize her choices!! It’s that simple!”
Sports blogger “Passionate Yu Brother” stated, “What’s wrong with buying an iPhone? Only those lacking confidence would engage in moral coercion to support domestic products, right? This is about consumer choice, spending your own money to show filial piety, buying whatever you want, too much intervention is unnecessary.”
Top blogger “Sima, the History Reader with Sword” expressed, “Quan Hongyan bought an Apple for her mother instead of a Huawei, was then criticized and educated emotionally. It’s terrifying, nurturing resentment will sooner or later lead to a backfire.”
User “InHomage0” remarked, “After all, in terms of value for money, Apple is indeed higher than Huawei, robbing people with low performance at high prices and still claiming to be a patriotic brand?”
“FandomDifferent” mocked, “American products are just that good. Even Olympic champions like them.”
“LYS0107” bluntly pointed out, “Even Ren Zhengfei uses an iPhone.”