On the 12th, local media reported that Chinese home appliance maker Haier will officially launch a “washing machine for lepers,” which was mentioned as a “suggestion” on Chinese social media, in the wake of the annual biggest political event.
According to Hong Kong’s Sungdo Daily, Haier disclosed the launch the previous day on its official Weibo (Chinese version of X) account, saying, “The lazy washing machine that Netizen has been rushing has come.”
The Sungdo Daily explained that on the 9th, during the two meetings, several Chinese netizens posted images of washing machines that can wash underwear, socks, shoes and clothes at the same time on the official account of Haier and demanded production.
In response, Haier’s account said, “Zhou Chong (CEO Zhou Yunze) saw the design and had engineers develop it overnight. We look forward to having you become a promoter of our new product.”
Some observers say that it may be Haier’s marketing strategy, given that there were voices from netizens who demanded the production of washing machines at Haier and the launch was announced a few days later.
During the two meetings, CEO Zhou Yunze met with domestic and foreign reporters at the Great Hall of the People, along with Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun, to respond to the authorities’ support for private companies and to “help build a manufacturing powerhouse.”
JENNIFER KIM
US ASIA JOURNAL
