The return of Huawei's Chief Financial Officer, Meng Wanzhou, after years of detention in Canada has been greeted with great fanfare in China.
A woman waves the Chinese flag. He was one of many who welcomed Meng back at Bao'an International Airport in Shenzhen city.
Crowds of perhaps thousands were crammed into Shenzhen airport. They were looking forward to Meng Wanzhou's arrival in a livestream broadcast showing the moment the Huawei boss arrived. Media Global Times, the mouthpiece of the Chinese government, said that about 30 million netizens watched the live broadcast of Meng Wanzhou's return.
A man unfurled a poster that said Meng Wanzhou was finally back.
The crowd waited patiently but also jostled. They wear masks because the Corona pandemic is still threatening.
A little boy carries a poster with an illustration of a Huawei tablet while his mother waves the Chinese flag.
The crowd behind cheered as the Huawei boss arrived. Some sang patriotic songs.
Residents are very enthusiastic because Meng is considered a victim of the trade war launched by the United States on China. China has repeatedly protested against the detentions. China's ambassador to Canada, Cong Peiwu, once said it would continue to ask Canada to correct its mistakes and release Meng as soon as possible.
"Our great homeland and nearly 1.4 billion Chinese people are your most loyal supporters. We wish you a safe return to China as soon as possible," Cong messaged Meng Wanzhou.
The plane carrying Meng Wanzhou landed at Shenzhen airport.
One of the enthusiastic residents witnessed Meng's arrival.
Meng, who is the daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, also expressed her gratitude. "Finally, I'm at home," he said to the crowd who greeted him at the airport.
In particular, he thanked the Chinese president, Xi Jinping. "President Xi is concerned about the safety of every Chinese citizen. I am deeply moved," said Meng.
