What Is Huawei’s Founder Thinking These Days?

Hello, this is Opal.

When discussing the global AI, semiconductor, and telecommunications industries today, it’s impossible to ignore Huawei. Despite strong sanctions from the U.S. and Western countries, Huawei continues to stand firm, strengthening its technological capabilities.

This raises an intriguing question: What is Huawei’s founder, Ren Zhengfei (任正非), thinking right now?

Once, under intense pressure from the U.S., he stated that “survival is the top priority”, adopting a cautious approach. However, recent developments indicate that he is actively seeking new breakthroughs, particularly in AI and semiconductors. Let’s analyze his current mindset and future strategies.

1. “Technological Independence Is the Only Way to Survive”

As an engineer-turned-entrepreneur, Ren Zhengfei has always believed that survival depends on strengthening technological capabilities.

Since 2019, when the U.S. imposed severe sanctions on Huawei, cutting off its semiconductor supply chain and banning Google’s Android services, Huawei has faced significant challenges in the smartphone market. However, the company quickly activated its “Plan B” strategy.

✔ Developing its own OS, HarmonyOS → Building a smartphone ecosystem that operates without Android
✔ Accelerating semiconductor independence → Partnering with SMIC (China’s semiconductor leader) to launch the 7nm Kirin 9000S chip
✔ Investing heavily in AI and cloud computing → Expanding Huawei Cloud to develop an independent AI ecosystem, bypassing Western restrictions

Recently, Huawei took another step forward by integrating OpenAI’s ‘DeepSeek’ model into Huawei Cloud, further strengthening its AI research capabilities.

In conclusion, Ren Zhengfei deeply understands that without technological independence, survival is impossible—and he is taking decisive action.

2. Western Sanctions? A Hidden Opportunity!

While U.S. and European sanctions have caused difficulties for Huawei, Ren Zhengfei appears to be treating the situation as an opportunity rather than a crisis.

📌 In 2019, after the U.S. imposed harsh sanctions on Huawei, he confidently stated: “The U.S. has underestimated us. We are already prepared.”
📌 In 2023, when Huawei launched the Mate 60 Pro smartphone featuring a 7nm chip despite restrictions, he declared: “Our technological independence has become a reality.”

Ironically, the more the West tightens its technological barriers, the stronger Huawei becomes internally.

✔ Preparing for the transition from 5G to 6G → Even if blocked by the U.S., Huawei is expanding in China and developing countries
✔ Expanding into AI, cloud computing, and semiconductors → Reducing reliance on smartphones while transforming into a data-driven AI company
✔ Shifting focus to B2B → Moving away from the consumer market and focusing on enterprise and government IT infrastructure

Ren Zhengfei has also stated: “Technological sanctions will ultimately accelerate the independence of Chinese tech companies.”

3. What’s Next for Ren Zhengfei?

Huawei is no longer just a smartphone manufacturer—it is a global technology powerhouse in 5G, AI, cloud computing, and semiconductors.

So, what’s next on Ren Zhengfei’s agenda?

✔ Expanding AI cloud services → Positioning Huawei Cloud as China’s equivalent of AWS
✔ Accelerating semiconductor self-sufficiency → Overcoming U.S. semiconductor sanctions and developing sub-5nm chips
✔ Leading the 6G race → Securing dominance in next-generation networking by 2030

Ultimately, his grand vision is “China’s technological independence.” This is not just about Huawei; it’s about building an entire self-sufficient Chinese IT and AI ecosystem that no longer relies on the West.

4. Conclusion: Ren Zhengfei Is Not Done Yet

Ren Zhengfei was born in 1944 and is now approaching 80 years old. Yet, he remains at the forefront of Huawei’s technological transformation.

The question that likely occupies his mind most is: “How can I turn the game around?”

Despite relentless pressure from the U.S. and the West, his strategy revolves around achieving technological self-reliance and AI-driven innovation.

Can Huawei overcome these barriers and reclaim its position as a global leader? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

#Huawei #RenZhengfei #AI #DeepSeek #CloudComputing #Semiconductors #TechWar #5G #6G #ChinaTech