Wang Shi accepts Phoenix TV's special interview, apologizes for "Vanke Donation Gate"

After the Wenchuan earthquake, China's famous real estate company Vanke donated 2 million RMB. In response to doubts raised by netizens, Wang Shi, Chairman of Vanke, wrote a reply on his blog stating that the 2 million donation was appropriate: "China is a country prone to disasters, and disaster relief charity activities are a normal state. Corporate donations should be sustainable and not become a burden." For a time, the "Vanke Donation Gate" was pushed to the forefront by numerous public opinions, sparking controversy from all sides.

On May 21, Wang Shi expressed his apology to netizens in an exclusive interview with Zeng Jingyi, host of Phoenix Satellite TV's "Goldstone Finance": "Now I think that under those circumstances, the statement I made at that time still deserves reflection."

Zeng Jingyi: Mr. Wang, you are currently conducting relevant organizational work in Zhundao Town, Mianzhu County. After the Wenchuan earthquake, I know that you immediately donated 2 million RMB under the name of Vanke, but your subsequent reasons were questioned by many people. Those people felt that how could Wang Shi say such things, as if he had become indifferent. People who don't know you have been bombarding you with criticism, feeling that the image you've built over many years, as well as Vanke's image over many years, has been damaged. Are you willing to take this opportunity with 'Goldstone Finance' to apologize to everyone today?

Wang Shi: At the time, when I replied to that post, it was on my forum. My forum has been running for four and a half years now, and actually, the netizens on the forum have always been quite confrontational, and it has been like this all along. After Vanke donated 2 million, one post mentioned donations of 20 million or 30 million, saying that our donation was too little, so I responded to that post. I said that 2 million is not a small amount, and 2 million is appropriate. The reason for saying this is... at that time, Vanke's annual shareholders' meeting authorized a budget of 10 million RMB for public welfare activities. We allocated 5 million RMB for low-income housing in 2008, 1 million RMB for snow and ice disaster relief, and another 2 million RMB later, leaving only the authorized 2 million RMB. So, we actually donated these 2 million RMB. That was the actual situation at the time. The views were relatively opposing, so I shared my thoughts on the matter, which was not advocating competition or high-profile actions. But regarding this response, it clearly dampened the enthusiasm of many netizens for disaster relief. As time went by and I reflected on this matter, I realized that replying to that post in that particular time and special situation was very inappropriate. Therefore, whenever this matter is mentioned, I naturally feel apologetic. Everyone was on the front line of disaster relief, yet my post distracted some netizens' attention. Moreover, regarding Vanke, myself personally, and those hoping we would play a more important role in the disaster relief, this post caused disappointment and even great anger. I feel extremely uneasy about this point. Since you've asked this question, of course, I express my apology.

Zeng Jingyi: Thank you, Mr. Wang, for expressing your apology through our program. But I believe that for many viewers and friends, and for Vanke employees, this can lift a heavy burden.