SHANGHAI (Reuters) – At a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and private sector entrepreneurs, Huawei’s founder shared with Xi Jinping that China’s concerns about the lack of domestically produced chips or operating systems had been alleviated, as reported by Chinese state media. The People’s Daily recently published an article summarizing the discussions held during the meeting, where prominent Chinese company founders such as Ren Zhengfei of Huawei, Wang Chuanfu of electric vehicle giant BYD, and Lei Jun of electronics manufacturer turned automaker Xiaomi, had the opportunity to speak with Xi Jinping. Notably, the meeting was closely controlled in terms of public discussion, with state media previously only releasing details of Xi’s remarks and not those of the founders.
According to the People’s Daily report, Ren Zhengfei reassured Xi Jinping that China’s worries regarding a “lack of core and soul” had subsided, expressing his firm belief in the accelerated rise of a greater China. The reference to a “lack of core and soul” harks back to 1999 when a former Chinese technology minister highlighted this issue in the country’s information industry, with “core” representing semiconductors and “soul” emblematic of operating systems. Notably, Huawei has played a pivotal role in realizing Xi’s vision for China to achieve greater self-sufficiency, particularly in light of U.S. sanctions, by developing its own advanced chips and operating system.
During the meeting, Wang Chuanfu of BYD discussed the growth of China’s electric vehicle industry from its inception, showcasing an impressive track record. Lei Jun of Xiaomi conveyed to Xi Jinping that, under his leadership, there is no challenge that cannot be overcome, even amidst changing international dynamics. The People’s Daily also reported insights shared by entrepreneurs from other key firms such as chip manufacturer Will Semiconductor, humanoid robot maker Unitree, and China’s largest feed producer New Hope Group.
(Reporting by Brenda Goh; Editing by Jamie Freed)
