Huawei: Ren Zhengfei defiant to US actions | FT Interview

US President Donald Trump has called a partial ceasefire in hostilities with the Chinese telecoms group. But in an interview before Mr Trump's comments, Ren Zhengfei, chairman of Huawei, told FT Global China editor James Kynge his company would survive by relying on business outside the US. And Huawei is still expected to reduce reliance on US suppliers
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[@1ewi5]

He was a man that kept a low profile until the illegal detention of his daughter. The positive thing out of this unfortunate event is that we are able to learn from this man how he conducts himself. He is a different class; calm, wise and collected. Almost like a grandpa you can look for life advice. I learn from his interviews what we should do in the face of trouble. How he has been prepared for a day like this. Totally unfazed by the negative press and replies to every criticism with wit and confidence.

[@G8000........]

@Pub Comrad All this anti- Chinese and Huawei movement. He has been vindicated oh.

[@jonli677]

@Pub Comrad So, what is your job?

[@lunthang7453]

@Pub Comrad The so called democracy Country US sanction many countries. You have a little brain

[@macroman9368]

@Pub ComradCONSPIRACIST. Loser in west wait for your doomsday coming someday.

[@dugang139]

@Pub Comrad what a troll U R, shame on U

[@haolianghuang7261]

I have watched many interviews from western media. This is the first time I feel respect from the interviewer instead of arrogant and naive questions

[@xuchen4012]

For sure he has a way deeper understanding of China than any other western reporters due to his ability of Chinese-speaking.

[@catonpillow]

Very well structured interview. Also, thank you for your impartiality. That's how journalism should be done.

[@musnahkantahilembu8342]

he is gay

[@user-ji3ho2cy8p]

@@musnahkantahilembu8342 how do you know that?

[@ldslee3175]

Yes, it is time to do NEWS again.

[@liangcity]

P30 constantly explode in China, huawei does not fix the problem for customer, instead, stage iphone burn up houses news, this is the man's integrity, and how he treat his role model

[@catonpillow]

JSmith Umm.. are you ok there buddy? Did you miss your propaganda dose today?

[@webstertippingpoint572]

First time I heard that Huawei sells 5G equipment at much higher prices than Nokia and Ericson, and sells well. Great news.

[@BingDwenDwen]

That shows Huawei 5G technology superiority that people are willing to pay a higher price for robust tech.

[@ipfreak]

for now, with mass productions in the future, the cost will go down. ericsson and nokia would never catch up on the prices (dropping rate).

[@musnahkantahilembu8342]

likey rip brand

[@wijayaj001]

It's key is one thing, not overpirced! European prices are always way to high for other country' purchasing power.

[@liangcity]

P30 constantly blowing up in China, huawei does not fixing the problem for customer, instead, stage iphone burn up houses news, this is the man's integrity

[@nanbull7604]

Good reporter, who masters the Chinese language and understands the culture as well.

[@urdbest3212]

Yes. He surely is not the same class as some brainless fox new reporters.

[@liangcity]

urdbest, another despicable, 50 cents army, and high on marijuana, too bad, you can tell, he is not going to end up well like Yang henjun, end up in Jail.

[@MrPeterzhu]

the translation is correctly. the reporter is a humble and professional .It's not like other western media have been tarnishing us。

[@rl4899]

Mr Ren is an all rounded genius with a truly humble heart

[@afunguynamedkawhi7959]

The Huawei he founded would be the most valuable company in China if it were to be listed, yet he is nowhere near the wealthiest Chinese. His share of the company is less than 2%. This is one of the reasons why Huawei is becoming so powerful.

[@lixwh]

@@afunguynamedkawhi7959 It is all-employee-owned company, will never be listed.

[@musnahkantahilembu8342]

well we know he be ended just like bangkai

[@liangcity]

P30 constantly explode in China, huawei does not fix the problem for customer, instead, stage iphone burn up houses news, this is the man's integrity

[@liangcity]

haha, one more 50 cents army, this is the charter of the Ren who hire troll to praise him.

[@CCMphilip]

I really admire Mr. Ren entrepreneurial and crisis management spirit!!! That's real leadership!!

[@bearcd5313]

He leads a small company to a global buiness giant...his leadership is unquestionable.

[@lohdiwei9778]

He's certainly handling this crisis in fine style. Well done, fella!

[@harryh6419]

he is not only a boss, man, but also a thinker! that's why HUAWEI is great!

[@Radtrad_strada]

I admire how he compensate his employees by stealing foreign tech and use it for huaweis benefit😂😂 topman

[@CCMphilip]

@Pub Comrad Tech company like Nortel died because they failed to innovate.. just like Nokia and Ericsson mobile phones died because they never see iPhone coming!!!!

[@isoldel9313]

well this is new... the journalist speaks Chinese to him.

[@mohdsharkawiluabdullah2256]

And shows due respect to Mr. Ren ZhengFei also.

[@G8000........]

@Pub Comrad Killer squad well done.

[@MrLuhuazhao]

blue copper he speaks very good chinese, although not at the level of native speakers. his accent is actually lighter than Ren’s.

[@windwind1212]

its called mandarin

[@yudi4vfx]

@Yasoboy "Kynge speaks fluent Mandarin", according to James Kynge's wiki page.

[@djtan3313]

This man is a superior man.

[@siyasangamsi4594]

Everyone loves huawei

[@bearcd5313]

Even under such massive surpress of US, Huawei is still tough giant...new OS( Hongmeng) on the way, launch new product( novo 5, mate 30). You earn my respect!

[@musnahkantahilembu8342]

yeah like junkies low iq people

[@user-vo9yh6si9q]

＋1

[@brighamalbrecht8084]

Pub Comrad American's bootlicker 🇨🇦 spotted! You liberal paid troll knows nothing but copy and pasting 😂

[@brighamalbrecht8084]

Pub Comrad cheerio, you liberal paid troll are doing a great job!

[@angusz7958]

特朗普打电话你会接吗？ 任老爷子用最委婉的形式说出了：让那厮有多远滚多远!

[@glg9238]

哈哈，的确。中国式拒绝。

[@chankaan888]

老任：我不跟智障说话

[@azure3544]

任老板：我不配和智障打电话

[@daniel7385]

任总意思就是：川普不配

[@Sky-8646]

This reporter lives a chinese soul in his body.. speak very well..

[@ruwanranganathpathirana514]

We all can learn from Mr. Ren... See how does he handle situation 😎😎😎😎... Very smart intilgent man.. 😎😎🤠🤠

[@musnahkantahilembu8342]

but the ending seems opposite

[@leoming2292]

@@musnahkantahilembu8342 He just answered the question...The thing is truth.

[@qb8908]

as a Chinese, i can translate that trump telephone part, he just said he doesn't want to pick up trump's call in a polite way. Also the question has no meaning.

[@glg9238]

@@yswangw3220 Haha, exactly.

[@Aramsa-Khan]

A nice way to tell Trump to hell with him.

[@hsy831]

Exactly, there was definitely a hidden meaning in his words. A masterful way of saying "no" indeed haha

[@siuchen7140]

WOW this guy speak very good Chinese and sound like a real Chinese speaking

[@TheGriffithHuyan]

腔调挺正的 比较少有外国人说英语的感觉

[@xz1891]

逻辑方面还不够

[@---oi3gs]

@blue copper Your comment lacked an important observation. Those Chinese in the world who can speak perfect English may outnumber non-Chinese who can speak perfect Chinese right now. But there's a far higher proportion of non-Chinese who can speak perfect Chinese among the non-Chinese who have learned Chinese than that of Chinese who can speak perfect English after having learned English.

[@muheebridwan5308]

Mr. Ren stealing the show as usual. It takes courage to summon this level of maturity & confidence. I commend him for that!

[@anitahsiao4505]

7/5/19 「任正非」～ 中國人的自信、婉轉、大智慧！ 對這些「外國」人説話，就是要用這種「任正非」方式～義正詞嚴、理直氣壯、有理有據、不偏不倚～不贅言、不卑屈、不含糊、不賣弄！～中國人的自信、婉轉、大智慧！👍

[@formerelchupacabra1523]

Mr. Ren i so humble intelligent wise man! He knows how to rule & speak w puppet clown leaders such as Trump.

[@liangcity]

Mr Ren also wise to cheer up chinese by saying huawei is the first Chinese company going to rig the phone price outside China.

[@AbeOnGaming]

Well clearly Trump IQ it's way too low and he's being controlled by other people behind this and probably realized he just fukd up this time, Mr Ren has my respect for the work and how he is fighting back with he's team, Huawei will be even more successful and stronger after this.... Writing from my Huawei Mate 20 X, best phone I ever had for my daily needs and entertainment experience 😀✌️

[@user-ji3ho2cy8p]

are you the Japanese Prime Minister?

[@AbeOnGaming]

@@user-ji3ho2cy8p lol 🤣?

[@wyodragon8492]

This is the third interview of Ren ZhengFei during which the interviewer asks Zen whether he would pick up the phone if Trump called him. It seems that Trump and the US government desperately want a phone conversation between Ren and Trump. It is also the second interview during which the interviewer wants Ren to agree to having Huawei as part of a trade deal between China and the US. Ren rejects both the phone conversation with Trump and the inclusion of Huawei in any trade deal between China and the US. Ren does not want to have anything with the trade war or the trade deal. As Ren said, the US is not one of Huawei’s client, so there is no reason why it should be part of the trade war or trade deal.

[@enzoh7763]

i think Mr Ren is much superior in terms of charisma & intellect . He must have many good consultant + employees that give him superior & quality advise and directions . and he is prepared, ( my assumpton) , like this article from 2018 ... www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/2169427/what-japan-can-teach-china-about-american-art-trade-war

[@theend4054]

answering trump's phone call is like answering a phone call from a kidnapper or blackmailer who's asking ransom

[@cjoe6908]

This is a business genius. I knew he was prepared, but never thought he was so well prepared or in fact, expecting such a confrontation. Trump is tackling with someone who is a much better businessman than himself and perhaps has done something to make Ren achieve a lot more than he otherwise would, i.e., in the roll out of 5G. Only last year, Ren was saying that he didn't see a realistic market for 5G soon and the market was hyped. Now he is in that market with such readiness that amazes me. I went to the local telco shop and saw Huawei's little 5G box and 5G phone there on the table. Ren alone couldn't have made this happen so fast. Trump has helped a lot.

[@zhiweiliu7771]

Came back to this video after four years, l feel more touching. He has not been interviewed for years, but Huawei's new phone says every thing!

[@l.j.3680]

Wish I had known Mr Ren when he started Huawei. Such class yet closest to earth... I would've stayed in China and worked for him

[@jianyuhua]

Same, and we can hold original stock from huawei

[@akka2011hk]

Yes this is much better than CNBC which singularly focus on how Hauwei's sales will be affected by the entity list and then exaggerated about Hauwei losing 30% of it's sales.

[@Aramsa-Khan]

Never believe in American main stream media. They are mere gabbage suited to ignorance american audiences who just want the feel good effect.

[@jifa17]

It's so funny. Mr. Ren said does he have the time to make phone calls? (Trump tweeting all the time comes to my mind, LOL)

[@GODLOVEME-uj3vb]

He don't even want to interact with trump at all HAHAHA, Mr Ren must be very angsty looking trump up doing.

[@catfish9868]

Jeff i like the way that ren said i do speak english.

[@anitahsiao4505]

7/5/19 Words of wisdom ! Go Huawei ! Go Ren Zhengfei !

[@ruwanranganathpathirana514]

If Mr Ren and Mr. Steve jobs work together then world would have superior tech🤠🤠🤠🤠🙃🙃

[@LarryWu-es7nc]

Huawei willing to sell 5g chips to Apple, but can the American willing to accept and admit they are lagging behind? Can the American put down their ego?

[@alsetalokin88]

meh. steve jokes was a thief and a crook. what's so special about him? gates was also the same. zucky also. meh.

[@liangcity]

Jobs don't like Ren, because he doesn't have character

[@legao6783]

For all these years Huawei did not rely on American market. Huawei engineers do very hard work all over the world, even those areas in danger or diseases . The most high tech chips they could produce by themselves now. How could American harm Huawei now? How?

[@---oi3gs]

@RD Policarpio Whether they actually did or didn't still makes your reply irrelevant to the original comment above.

[@Hamsters831]

The android ecosystem software and hardware tech is currently very much tied to US companies. the ban earlier to Bluetooth, Google authentication to other apps, those chips, WiFi standards etc. that's just a preview of the kind of damage that US can do to 1 Chinese company. Huawei is a pawn in a game of chess between China and the US.. it can survive but it will need a few years to build is own tech that is currently owned by the US. I hope the uplift of the ban remains. else the biggest victim of this trade war in China will be huawei..

[@legao6783]

Rasscal Belive me, only the Android attach had a little strength, others are just scratch, and forbidding chip sell to Huawei is definitely a suicide behavior. “A pawn in a game chess between China and America “? I’m sorry, I don’t think Huawei’s customers over at least 130 countries will agree with you. Huawei ‘s space is far more broad than you think. When I saw “a few years” , I almost laughed, you reminded me one big difference between Chinese and American, time concept. A few years is the basic plan for a company like Huawei, and our country’s whole expectation could last decades, or even generations. Every single Chinese student will learn over 3000 years’ history at school. We are far more patient to overcome “a few years ” impact. Our sight will move to what’s after.

[@---oi3gs]

@Pub Comrad Being a dumbshit who can't even write a single coherent sentence, your desperation and insecurity are showing. FYI, Huawei's sales are booming, even before Trumpty Dumpty just surrendered to China. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnangniIpNuehKM ROFLMAO!

[@Dingish]

Johnny Tran thats why education cost something.

[@sihartobing9570]

God Bless Huawei Company, Be Patience, ..... Cherrio.👍👍👍.

[@orangutan324]

Shame on Trump. Such embarrassment. Sad, sad,sad.

[@user-ze3dt2td9q]

2004年加入华为公司，2009年被华为公司淘汰，我不记恨华为公司淘汰我，这正是华为伟大的地方，我至今为曾经是华为公司的员工而自豪！感谢华为，感谢中国电信！希望我能再为华为公司效力！

[@tommylasauce4942]

i could listen to M. Ren all day long. Very wise man.

[@clairepark9834]

I’m Chinese and frankly speaking, this journalist speaks very good Chinese. Ren is so humorous lol,apparently he doesn’t give a damn about the US

[@justscanningby9902]

Mr Ren playing Go, Trump still playing checkers . . .

[@ongernie7216]

This journalist is polite and ask great questions. Respect is mutual.

[@HarsonoNg]

When someone hold your daughter and request to talk, the person is kidnapper.

[@generalpopcorn6427]

Every accusation that is being made against Huawei and its relationship with the Chinese government can be made against Microsoft and its relationship with the US government.

[@waynechang8628]

IL-2 indeed a very tough warplane. Great interview with westerner speak fluent Chinese! And I respect Mr Ren's positive attitude towards difficulties! Huawei tough!

[@user-jt3dm4mo7i]

I'm cashed up... Huawei please provide your HongMeng OS and I will buy it just for the sake of supporting you. I think HongMeng OS has the potential to rival android and windows in one shot.

[@cottagen90]

Better than CNBC interview

[@Jithmania]

Finally an interviewer who can talk chinese and english.

[@maxli2049]

I'm impressed by the interviewer's command of Mandarin. Well done, Mr Kynge. Your years' of practice pays off.

[@atombomb8139]

Enough credits should go to this interviewer. Interview in the language of your interviewee not only shows due respect, but also facilitates efficient communication.

[@bumpkinfishman1196]

After reading comments below, it is obvious that many didn't realize that there are 6 business groups within Huawei. They are 5 business groups (CNPBG, EPBG, CPBG, SPBG and cloud BG). CPGB (Consumer Product Business Group) produces all consumer terminals such as laptops and Huawei/Honor smart phones. According to Ren, US ban causes short term damages mainly in the CPBG. Other BGs are not impacted by this ban at all. He seems like an honest and humble man.

[@bumpkinfishman1196]

Another BG is for R&D

[@afunguynamedkawhi7959]

Jack Ma: I am the most well known Chinese for Westerners. Mr. Ren: hold my whatever.

[@1ewi5]

Hold my Mate X 5G

[@nihleigleca6702]

Hold my daughter

[@johnnyguitar2929]

Ren is a great leader and businessman. CEO’s all over the world could learn a lot from how he carries himself.

[@gaoleclan8101]

where to see the full version?

[@大树BigTree]

Free his daughter first if wanna conversation with Mr Ren even just by phone.

[@Kevin-xy5yq]

I have to say that the journalist speaks better mandarin than Mr. Ren in terms of pronunciation🙈🙈🙈

[@shuangshuang3572]

。。。。nono！！！

[@Kevin-xy5yq]

@@shuangshuang3572 That's true, Ren has strong accent of GZ dialect

[@user-vn8qg9vl1b]

This is a fact

[@saccaemail7887]

Mr. Ren, i salute your personality with hat-off, you deserve my respect.

[@dpo6770]

Mr Ren has very strong arguments. Hostage taking is Donnie's policy. Lol

[@urdbest3212]

Before US atacks Huawei, I didn't even know Huawei is such a great company with such a great leader Ren Zhengfei. Out of this t-errorist style attacks Huawei, I got to know about Mr. Ren. That's priceless.

[@natn41r]

"Defiant" really is the wrong word to use, as it suggest some amount of aggression. "Nonchalant" or "indifferent" is more the attitude expressed by Ren; he's pretty neutral.

[@user-uw1wq9rj8g]

He is never give up! Respect Mr. Ren Zhengfei

[@GIobeCentral]

It is a special sensation to listen to some one with the fundamental qualities which integrate and produce trust worthy intelligent humorous information. I trust his integrity, and hope he brings to the UK that special quality of business leadership so badly lacking in Britain. Please , don't any one remind me he is not scheduled for the UK. We can only live in hope!

[@user-rm4on7ql9k]

I do like a journalist when he can speak the laguage of his guest, and show the good manner as a decent folk. Love your interview. 谢谢你。

[@jchen3167]

Mr Ren is such a inspirational man with a humble heart, really admire him. With his persistance and devotion , he takes China's leadership to a whole new level

[@peppagorge4801]

One the few more objective interviews on Huawei. There was another interview done by CNBC recently who sent in a half Chinese half Canadian girl (who clearly hates her Chinese half) and all she wanted was for Ren to confess to his sins, clearly a hit job. In comparison, FT interviewer appears to speak fluent Chinese and is far more professional.

[@user-rz4dx5ut8h]

The interviewer‘s Chinese is excellent， he even has a northern accent. Very good！

[@zzlee79]

Thanks. We need credible and fair news outlet like FT, not merely regurgitating some American MSM propaganda.

[@-humsafar]

interviewer : huawei . narrator: waawei

[@jsut6017]

Respect for the professionalism of the interviewer

[@user-ky1jf4lk2d]

I read that Mr. Ren has learned 3 foreign languages by himself when he was in college, he can’t possibly not understand English. He’s just trying to embarrass Donald Trump.

[@RobinNiu]

The journalist's Mandarin is 10/10.

[@SamShao]

Ren is so intelligent

[@captiveexile2670]

I think nit's shameful that this man daughter was arrested by the Canadians and unable to continue her travels. She is not the company per se, simply working for HAUWEI as an executive. I think China sjoujld then be able to stop any American executive she pleases also., They you could swap detainees!.

[@tstoon6254]

THE WORD" DEFIANT" IS INAPPROPRIATE. as the US is not an authority of CHINA or has NO authority over HUAWEI. "HUAWEI STOOD-UP AGAINST in face of US action". PLEASE DON'T MINCE WITH WORDS.

[@dontbetonit813]

Ren made his money the old fashion way he earned it.

[@chfgbp6098]

Amazingly down to earth person. No pretentions.

[@marcbachelet2322]

Hi, FT, can you please upload the full interview, thx

[@marcelinoperez2926]

The Chinese can't lose face. This is anchored in their culture and education. They will make polite and restrained compromises but you don't trust an enemy. HUWAEI will buy less in America, despite the celebration with the USA Nasdaq titles. The interview was conducted politely, respect for it

[@user-ze3dt2td9q]

你不了解中国。我是中国人，你们生活太安逸和休闲了，而我和我的儿子每天的学习时间和工作时间是你们的一倍，我们的努力和付出全世界没有一个国家的人像我们这样。因为全世界真正的文明古国就只剩下中国了，如果我们像古埃及文明、古希腊文明那样消失了，整个人类世界就会黯然失色

[@abdeenn3]

Excellent interview without translator, the understanding between the two will be clearer and much better.

[@asdfghjkl92213]

Damn his chinese is pretty good!

[@dunzhen]

China Rising. And with meaningful and fruitful relationships being made along with its comeback. My tyheory is that those in power in the West are upset that uplifting both sides in a business deal is actually effective and creates meaningful relationships. Their zero sum game perspective is not something that was a necessity, but rather something they viewed as the only way.

[@pcstar123]

Very good Chinese from the interviewer, a real delight!

[@evax7888]

Used to think Huawei’s devices were cheap but good. Now I know that they are actually more expensive than the competitors but people are willing to buy... this shows how the competitors are falling behind. If Huawei drops price, are there any market for the competitors except for the US allies?

[@charlesw9875]

Perhaps by using Mandarin in an interview, the West is finally starting to show China the respect it deserves.

[@songbingjoe]

interviewer is a brilliant bilinguist

[@robertsim2777]

Mr. Ren Zhengfei is a man of real substance and certainly would not waste his time talking to people with big brain filled with “yellow moist paste”

[@XinWongDigital]

good reporter

[@user-pn2pw1rt9s]

挂字幕比配音好，希望其他外媒像金融时报学习！

[@favemediabureau]

Good job, James.

[@yinhuili9095]

"这种，那个，贸易协议？“ My god, this journalist's Chinese is good!

[@otron805]

Daughter is kidnapped... yet he still gives you a SMILE !

[@user-nm2rx3vc9b]

The host is so good at Chinese, and his accent is very pure👍

[@yanshanu]

Such a distinguished and admirable man. He possesses some personal characteristics that u rarely see in business leaders of western style. Seems he can be convincingly positive and realistic at the same time.

[@yanshanu]

I also like how he handles the question about if Trump calls. It's a hyperthetical question and clearly Ren is not interested in this kind of nonsense. But I can believe many others will happily make a long monologue to answer it.

[@sujanaryal833]

Is the translation broken or did I miss something? I thought Huawei 5G was the cheapest but he said it is most expensive.

[@sujanaryal833]

Not only did the journalists actually interviewed him in Chinese but he was also respectful unlike other reporters. It was good to see.

[@ecrofaecrofa7520]

sujan aryal He said "expensive than others",on purpose

[@wjzhou1409]

任总大智慧，祝身体健康，平安吉祥

[@davidronson8712]

The white reporter not only impressive for speaking Chinese to Ren Zhengfei, he is asking great questions and not being arrogant like few amercans clowns who call themselves reporters. Congrats to James Kynge for showing how financial reporters should behave

[@stevenhuang4193]

Real vision and statesnentship vs low rating reality show host, clear enough? A superpower vs a private company, shrink yourself!

[@jianyuhua]

You are really respectful man!

[@awong591]

I answer Trump only if he use Huawei phone to call me ....

[@joeyye1]

This honourable journalist speaks excellent Chinese, and he indeed showed some respects to Mr Ren. I highly doubt if Mr Wallace would dare talk to President Jiang in the tone that he used to back in the 90s during the famous interview if he was still alive.

[@OoiChiYan]

That is quite good Mandarin Chinese skill there

[@aaronuncle4762]

Australia is out! Thank you Mr. Ren.

[@ipfreak]

at least for now, huawei and ZTE are the only vendors that provide 5G base stations (SoC equipments) with capacity of supporting both NSA and SA modes. NSA is a transitional mode between 4G and 5G, not exactly true 5G per se. the real 5G networks should be in SA mode. per china's 5G licenses, all of china's 5G networks must be only SA mode by january 1st, 2020.

[@ay67886]

Financial Times is the best voice of CCP.

[@Pre114]

Finally, a foreign journalist who doesn't act like a pompous D-bag, very refreshing.

[@Troglodyte2021]

The reporter speaks Chinese almost as well as some of Chinese speak English.

[@喵队长]

This reporter is very humble and much better than the American “school girl” before.