"What the US will do is out of our control. To us, the most important thing is to do our job well.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the US companies that we work with. Over these 30 years, they have helped us to grow into what we are today.
They have made many contributions to us. As you know, most of the companies that provide consulting services to Huawei are based in the US, including dozens of companies like IBM and Accenture. In the face of the recent crisis, I can feel these companies' sense of justice and sympathy towards us."
These are the highlights of Ren Zhengfei's landmark interview with Chinese media. A lot here was NOT reported by Western MSM. If you're interested, I have the full transcript in English.
- On US ban: US politicians might have underestimated our strengths. Our company will not end up with an extreme supply shortage. We have got well prepared.
- On business cooperation with US companies: So you guys from the media should not always blame US companies. Instead, you should speak for them. The blame should rest with some US politicians.
Over these 30 years, they (US companies) have helped us to grow into what we are today. They have made many contributions to us. They have taught us how to get on the right track and run the company. As you know, most of the companies that provide consulting services to Huawei are based in the US, including dozens of companies like IBM and Accenture.
...we also have been receiving support from a large number of US component and part manufacturers over all these years. In the face of the recent crisis, I can feel these companies' sense of justice and sympathy towards us.
- On chips: We can make chips that are as good as those made by US companies, but this does not mean that we will not buy chips from the US.
- Despite the much lower costs of our own chips, I would still buy higher-priced chips from the US. We cannot be isolated from the world. Instead, we should become part of it.
- How long with this tough situation last: You should ask President Trump this question.
- On talent: The Japanese economy also recovered very quickly (after World War II). This was attributable to their talent, education systems, and foundation. This is what matters most. So even if we lose everything else, we can't lose our talent. This includes their qualities, skills, and confidence. This is very important.
- Huawei and patriotism: We cannot simply say that one is patriotic if they use Huawei products and they are not if they don't use Huawei products. Huawei's products are ultimately commodities. People use them if they like them. Politics should be left out of it. Huawei is just a company.
- Facing the US at the top: ...we have been considering the question of what happens when we meet the US at the top, and have begun to make preparations for this. That said, we will ultimately embrace each other because we want to work together with them to make contributions to society.
- On family: They detained my daughter, trying to shake my will, but my family's encouragement has solidified my will. In her letter to me, my daughter said she would be mentally prepared for the long run. She is very optimistic. That has greatly reassured me and eased my pressure.
I feel I owe my children a lot. I was serving in the army when my first two children were still young, and went back home every 11 months. When I was at home, my children had to go to school during the day, do homework in the evening, and then go to sleep. Life went on like this every day, so we barely had any communication.
Comment: That's how 'up for it' the US is for another 'Iraq' - whether in Iran or Venezuela. It 'aint happening.