Ren Zhengfei: Pioneering China’s AI Future and Huawei’s Vision

When you engage Huawei CEO Ren Zhengfei on the state of AI in China and the myriad challenges faced by his company, his responses defy expectations.

Ren Zhengfei, Huawei CEO, on the state of AI in China and the myriad challenges faced by his company, has his responses that easily defy expectations. “I haven’t thought about it,” he candidly states in a discussion with the Chinese media outlet People’s Daily. 

“It’s futile to dwell on it.” In a world fixated on intricate five-year plans and crisis management, his advice stands out: “Don’t focus on the obstacles. Just take action and move forward step by step.”

This approach isn’t merely Ren’s personal philosophy; it’s the foundation upon which Huawei is weathering the storm of international sanctions and intensified challenges. A resolute determination is evident in every answer he provides.

When the topic shifts to Huawei’s advanced Ascend AI chips, Ren’s honesty is striking. He refrains from self-promotion, openly addressing the fact that the prevailing excitement around Huawei is ahead of reality.

“The United States has inflated Huawei’s achievements. We are not there yet,” he acknowledges, pointing out that their best chips still trail a generation behind competitors. So, how do you thrive without access to the top tools? 

According to Ren, it’s about maximizing the potential of what you have. He explains that Huawei is harnessing its strengths in software and mathematics to bridge the hardware gap in AI and beyond.

“We employ mathematics to offset our limitations in hardware,” he elaborates, describing a strategy that creatively combines coding and links chips in powerful clusters, enabling results that rival the very best. 

This innovation springs from necessity. This pragmatic mindset extends to the people within the organization as well. In an era dominated by constant corporate boasting, Ren approaches the spotlight with caution. 

“We feel significant pressure when we receive praise,” he reflects. “We are even more grounded when faced with criticism.” For Ren, criticism isn’t an attack; it’s a valuable gift from the users of their products. 

It reflects a genuine engagement and a healthy relationship. His unwavering focus is clear: “Don’t get distracted by praise or criticism; prioritize your ability to deliver results.” At the core of Ren’s vision lies a belief that transcends product cycles: the importance of fundamental scientific research. 

He speaks about it with the passion of a true visionary, asserting that it is the lifeblood of progress. “If we neglect basic research, we will lack foundational strength,” he cautions. “Even if the branches are full and vibrant, they will fall in the face of strong winds.”

For Huawei, these words are not mere rhetoric; they are grounded in substantial investment. Out of an annual R&D budget of 180 billion yuan (about $25 billion), an impressive one-third, 60 billion yuan (approximately $8.34 billion), is dedicated to theoretical research. 

This investment is made without the expectation of immediate returns, serving as a long-term commitment to the power of human curiosity. It’s a strategic investment in a future that may unfold over decades.

As Ren looks ahead, he perceives AI not just as a transformative force for Huawei but for all of humanity. He believes that China is uniquely positioned for this new era, thanks not only to technological advancements but also to its robust infrastructure and, crucially, its people.

Ren envisions a future where groundbreaking developments in AI arise from experts across diverse fields, doctors, engineers, and even miners, harnessing AI to tackle real-world challenges.

His optimism is contagious. He reflects on a recent op-ed by New York Times columnist Thomas L. Friedman, who left China and published a piece with a compelling title: “I Just Saw the Future. It Was Not in America.”

Ren Zhengfei exemplifies a leader who has discovered calm in the chaotic landscape. His gaze is fixed not on shifting political currents but on the patient and deliberate pursuit of building something with deep, lasting roots, fully prepared for whatever challenges the future may bring.