Core Viewpoint - Gree Electric Appliances' chairman, Dong Mingzhu, sparked controversy by stating "never use returnees, as there are spies among them," leading to widespread public discussion about the returnee group and accusations of employment discrimination [1][10]. Group 1: Company Strategy and Talent Management - Gree Electric has a low percentage of returnees among its 13,000 R&D personnel, with less than 1% being returnees, compared to 15% at Midea and 12% at Haier [3]. - The company has invested 200 million yuan annually to develop a local talent training system, collaborating with top universities to create specialized courses and training programs [3]. - Gree's focus on local talent aligns with its long-term strategy, emphasizing the need for dedicated individuals over prestigious degrees [3]. Group 2: Security Concerns and Incidents - Dong Mingzhu's comments were partly based on past incidents where returnee engineers leaked critical technology, resulting in significant financial losses for Gree, including a $1.2 billion loss in Southeast Asia and a 230 million yuan loss in Europe [3][4]. - Gree operates in sectors involving national security, including military and infrastructure, which heightens its scrutiny of returnee talent [4][5]. Group 3: Public and Media Reaction - The media, including prominent figures like Hu Xijin, criticized Dong's remarks as lacking factual basis and promoting division, calling for an apology to protect the reputation of returnees [1][10]. - Public sentiment has been polarized, with some supporting Dong's caution regarding national security, while others view it as discriminatory against returnees [11][12]. Group 4: Policy Changes and Implications - Recent trends show tightening restrictions on returnees in civil service examinations across various provinces, reflecting a broader national security strategy [7][9]. - The Chinese government emphasizes a dual approach of supporting returnees while ensuring strict background checks for sensitive positions, indicating a nuanced policy shift rather than outright exclusion [9].