Huawei CEO Denies US Claims Over Ascend AI Chip Capabilities

Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei has challenged U.S. claims about the technological sophistication of Huawei's Ascend AI chips, stating that the company is still a generation behind leading American chipmakers and emphasizing that their strength lies in group or cluster computing rather than single-chip performance. Despite U.S. Commerce Department warnings that using these chips may violate export controls, Ren downplayed concerns by highlighting Huawei's focus on distributed computing and alternative techniques like chip packaging and stacking to improve performance amid U.S. export restrictions. He acknowledged challenges in cultivating semiconductor talent but expressed confidence in China's strategic shift toward self-reliance and innovation in AI and chip design. Ren's statements reflect a broader geopolitical tech standoff between China and the U.S., with China aiming to bolster its domestic tech capabilities while navigating international regulatory pressures. This ongoing tension influences global tech markets and may drive investments in alternative technologies that circumvent traditional manufacturing bottlenecks. The discourse underscores China's ambition to reduce dependence on U.S. technology and reshape the global balance of tech power through incremental advances and strategic adaptation.