Chen Li Fang, a Huawei veteran known at the company as Madam Chen, said the company was determined to make itself better known, and saw itself as a model for other Chinese companies.

BBC: Huawei hits back over US 'security threat' claim

But with China hanging on his every word, Mr Chen must have known his comments would infuriate Beijing too.

BBC: Independence dilemma

Chen wanted it known that his relatives were not involved in the Pai case and that the police had tortured them during interrogation.

CNN: The Police Get Their Man

It seems Gere and Ryder both liked The Sent Down Girl - which must have come as a surprise to Chen, 38, best known for her starring role 12 years ago in The Last Emperor.

CNN: PEOPLE