XIAOMI(HK:01810) Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-10-20 07:49Core Viewpoint - The call by Lei Jun for companies to "jointly resist online water armies and black public relations" has escalated the situation, leaving no room for retreat [1] Group 1: Industry Dynamics - The public relations landscape has been disrupted, with immediate backlash from competitors and a coordinated response from various media and influencers against Xiaomi [3][6] - Xiaomi's marketing budget is reportedly around 100 million, which is significantly lower than competitors, indicating a lack of investment in media and public relations [5][6] - The cost-saving strategy that Xiaomi employed has led to resentment among media and public relations firms, positioning Xiaomi as a target for negative campaigns [6][11] Group 2: Competitive Response - Competitors have been quick to capitalize on Xiaomi's vulnerable position, with one appliance company already filing a lawsuit against an MCN shortly after Lei's statement [3] - Influencers and media personalities have begun to publicly criticize Xiaomi, suggesting that the company should invest more in advertising and media relations [6][9] - The coordinated effort among media and influencers indicates a unified front against Xiaomi, with the potential for escalating attacks on the company's reputation and products [11][12] Group 3: Strategic Dilemma - Xiaomi faces a difficult choice: to either confront the media backlash head-on or to capitulate and pay for protection against negative publicity [12][14] - If Xiaomi chooses to resist, it risks a prolonged and damaging war of attrition, while capitulating could set a precedent for ongoing extortion through public relations tactics [12][14] - The situation reflects a broader struggle over the rules of commercial interest distribution, with implications for Xiaomi's reputation and the future of companies that challenge established norms [14]