Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei recently met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in a high-profile discussion alongside other influential private-sector entrepreneurs. The conversation, widely reported by Chinese state media, emphasized China’s strides toward technological self-reliance, particularly in semiconductors and software development.
A summary published by the People’s Daily detailed the meeting, which took place on Monday, gathering business leaders such as Ren, BYD’s Wang Chuanfu, and Xiaomi’s Lei Jun. Also in attendance were Alibaba’s Jack Ma and DeepSeek’s Liang Wenfeng, though their remarks were not publicly disclosed.
Ren highlighted that concerns over China’s technological gaps in semiconductor chips and operating systems have significantly lessened. He pointed to Huawei’s breakthroughs in chip manufacturing and proprietary software as pivotal achievements in countering global trade restrictions. Expressing optimism, he stated, “I firmly believe a stronger China will continue to rise at an accelerated pace.”
Wang Chuanfu praised the rapid evolution of China’s electric vehicle sector, calling it an extraordinary feat given its relatively short history. Lei Jun echoed confidence in the country’s ability to navigate global economic fluctuations, stating that with Xi’s leadership, “no challenge is insurmountable.”
Executives from Will Semiconductor, humanoid robotics firm Unitree, and agricultural giant New Hope Group were also present. While their specific comments were not disclosed, their participation reinforced China’s strategic push to enhance its technological and industrial capabilities.
The carefully managed media coverage of the event underscored Beijing’s commitment to showcasing resilience and innovation in the face of global competition. By highlighting progress in key industries, China aims to solidify its standing as a global leader in technology and economic development.
