Core Viewpoint - Ren Zhengfei, the founder of Huawei, recently gave an interview to People's Daily, marking his return to the public eye amid significant geopolitical tensions, particularly the ongoing US-China trade negotiations and the impact on China's chip industry [4][5]. Group 1: Huawei's Response to External Pressures - Huawei is facing a full-chain blockade from the US on its chip industry, which has forced China to rebuild an independent chip supply chain [4]. - In the interview, Ren emphasized a proactive approach to external pressures, stating, "Just do it, step by step" [4]. - Ren acknowledged the exaggeration of Huawei's achievements by the US and expressed that external criticism helps Huawei remain vigilant [4]. Group 2: Research and Development Focus - Huawei's R&D expenditure for 2024 is projected to be 179.7 billion yuan, accounting for approximately 20.8% of its total revenue, with cumulative R&D investment exceeding 1.249 trillion yuan over the past decade [5][6]. - Ren highlighted that around 60 billion yuan of the R&D budget is allocated to fundamental theoretical research, which is not subject to performance evaluation, while about 120 billion yuan is focused on product development [6]. - The company employs a significant number of R&D personnel, with approximately 54.1% of its total workforce dedicated to research and innovation [10]. Group 3: Intellectual Property and Innovation - Huawei leads in global patent applications, with 6,600 applications in 2024, significantly outpacing competitors like Samsung and Qualcomm [10]. - The company has transformed its patent portfolio into a revenue-generating asset, earning 560 million USD from intellectual property in 2023 [10]. - Ren's commitment to innovation is rooted in Huawei's history, where he emphasized the importance of having proprietary technology over merely acting as a reseller [8]. Group 4: Broader Implications for Chinese Technology - The interview reflects a broader trend among Chinese companies prioritizing independent R&D and innovation, which is reshaping global industry dynamics [11][12]. - China's stance in international negotiations, particularly regarding technology and resources, indicates a firm commitment to maintaining its position without concessions [12]. - Ren's assertion that "the era of begging for survival is over" signifies a shift in mindset towards self-reliance and resilience in the face of external challenges [10][12].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of fundamental theoretical research for long-term national development, illustrated through the example of Guizhou's prickly pear fruit and its journey from obscurity to becoming a luxury health product [2][3][10]. Group 1: Importance of Fundamental Research - Ren Zhengfei highlights the historical significance of fundamental research, using the example of Guizhou's prickly pear, which was discovered to be rich in vitamin C but remained unrecognized for nearly a century [7][8][15]. - The article discusses how the prickly pear has transformed into a high-priced health drink, valued at nearly 100 yuan per bottle, and has become a means for local farmers to escape poverty [9][10]. Group 2: Call for Support and Patience - Ren Zhengfei calls for greater societal patience and support for fundamental research, noting that theoretical scientists often work in isolation and their contributions may only be recognized long after their initial discoveries [14][21]. - The establishment of the "Huang Danyan Tea Thinking House" within Huawei aims to foster an environment for basic innovation and attract "cosmic energy" to support research efforts [18][19]. Group 3: Promotion of Guizhou Prickly Pear - Guizhou is actively promoting prickly pear as a strong regional agricultural brand, with the provincial agricultural department listing it as a public brand in 2023 [24][25]. - The marketing strategy emphasizes the "origin attribute" of Guizhou prickly pear, highlighting its health benefits, particularly its vitamin C content, and promoting it as a quality choice for consumers [26][29].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the resilience and determination of Huawei's CEO Ren Zhengfei in the face of external challenges, highlighting a focus on self-improvement and long-term strategic goals rather than immediate difficulties [1][2]. Group 1: Challenges and Responses - Ren Zhengfei expresses a mindset of not dwelling on difficulties, stating that action is more important than contemplation of challenges [2]. - He acknowledges that while Huawei is making progress in chip development, it still lags behind the U.S. by one generation in single-chip technology, but emphasizes the use of mathematical approaches to compensate for physical limitations [3][4]. - The CEO points out that the main challenges lie in education and talent development, rather than in technology itself, suggesting that China has opportunities in mid-to-low-end chips and compound semiconductors [4]. Group 2: Importance of Theoretical Research - Ren stresses the significance of foundational theoretical research, which often takes decades to yield results, and argues that neglecting this area could undermine future advancements [6][9]. - He highlights the need for societal understanding and support for theoretical scientists, as their contributions may not be immediately recognized but are crucial for long-term progress [8][10]. Group 3: Investment in R&D - Huawei invests approximately 180 billion yuan annually in R&D, with around 60 billion yuan dedicated to foundational theoretical research that is not subject to performance evaluation [9]. - The company believes that without a strong theoretical foundation, breakthroughs in technology will be difficult to achieve, which is essential for competing with the U.S. [9]. Group 4: Views on Socialism and Infrastructure - Ren discusses the advantages of China's socialist market economy in facilitating large-scale infrastructure projects that may not be immediately profitable but are essential for societal development [11]. - He argues that the socialist approach allows for the construction of vital infrastructure like high-speed rail and highways, which supports industrial and agricultural modernization [11]. Group 5: Future of Artificial Intelligence - Ren predicts that artificial intelligence may represent the last major technological revolution for humanity, emphasizing the need for a robust power supply and advanced information networks to support its development in China [12][13]. - He believes that China's manufacturing sector is rapidly integrating AI, which will lead to the emergence of unique Chinese models in the industry [15]. Group 6: Open Development and Market Dynamics - The CEO advocates for a legal and market-oriented environment to support the growth of private enterprises, emphasizing the importance of compliance and value creation [15]. - He expresses confidence that increasing openness will drive progress and contribute to the realization of national rejuvenation [16].

Core Insights - Huawei's CEO Ren Zhengfei emphasized the importance of theoretical research for breakthroughs, stating that without it, the company cannot catch up with the United States [1] Investment in R&D - Huawei invests approximately 180 billion yuan annually in research and development, with around 60 billion yuan allocated to basic theoretical research, which is not subject to performance assessment [1] - About 120 billion yuan is directed towards product development, which is subject to performance evaluation [1]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article emphasizes the confidence of a business leader in overcoming challenges and focusing on their own operations [1] - Huawei's CEO Ren Zhengfei expresses a mindset of not dwelling on difficulties but rather taking action step by step [2] - Ren acknowledges that while Huawei is one of many chip manufacturers in China, it still has room for improvement compared to the U.S. [3] Group 2 - Ren discusses the historical context of challenges faced by humanity, suggesting that difficulties are a constant and that China has opportunities in mid-to-low-end chips [4] - He highlights the importance of theoretical research and the need for strategic patience in supporting scientists and researchers [6][9] - The company invests significantly in R&D, with approximately 600 billion yuan allocated to basic theoretical research, which is not subject to performance assessment [9][10] Group 3 - Ren emphasizes the role of socialism in developing societal infrastructure, contrasting it with capitalism's profit-driven motives [11] - He views artificial intelligence as a potential final technological revolution, with China having advantages in power supply and communication networks [12][13] - The company believes that the chip issue can be addressed through innovative methods, and that a variety of open-source software will meet societal needs [14] Group 4 - Ren asserts that the future of China is bright, with manufacturing capabilities being enhanced by artificial intelligence and the integration of various industry experts [15] - He advocates for a harmonious development model that includes legal and market support for private enterprises [15] - The company sees increasing openness as a means to foster progress and achieve national rejuvenation [16]