Ren Zhengfei: The Global Trend Toward Artificial Intelligence is Unstoppable (AI Translation)

任正非：世界走向人工智能的潮流不可阻挡

Ren Zhengfei, founder of Huawei, emphasized during a conversation with ICPC participants that the global trend towards artificial intelligence (AI) is irreversible, likening it to historical technological milestones such as trains and steam engines [para. 1]. He highlighted AI's potential to benefit human society despite imposing pressures due to reduced labor demand, and suggested governments should handle the distribution of increasing societal wealth [para. 3]. Huawei's involvement with the ICPC since 2012 and sponsorship of the ICPC Huawei Challenge Cup reflects its commitment to fostering technological talent [para. 2].

Ren stated that while the advent of AI challenges societal structures, companies should focus on technological advancements that promote societal benefits, with Ren denying the likelihood of AI developing consciousness within 30 years [para. 3][para. 6]. He also praised the United States for its openness and inclusiveness in scientific development, asserting that such practices benefit technological advancement [para. 6][para. 10]. Huawei itself promotes open innovation and open-source software to advance technology, taking lessons from the openness of American technological ecosystems [para. 9][para. 10][para. 11].

Ren discussed the implications of Huawei's ongoing struggles amid U.S. sanctions, touching on how these restrictions have pushed Huawei towards self-reliance and innovation [para. 12][para. 15]. The company continues to focus on developing its own tools and leveraging open innovation for progress [para. 15]. Despite sanctions impacting Huawei's performance significantly in 2021, its mobile business has begun to recover, with revenue posting positive growth since 2022 [para. 12]. In terms of global smartphone shipments, Huawei recently became the second-largest manufacturer in China [para. 13].

Regarding global challenges, Ren stressed the importance of technology in addressing issues such as employment creation and social wealth distribution, asserting that technological enterprises cannot solve societal problems but can help in generating wealth [para. 5]. On education, Ren advocates for a system that fosters creativity and happiness, suggesting that societal contributions shouldn't just come from wealth [para. 7][para. 20]. He further stressed the importance of embracing diverse cultural knowledge and suggested that civilizations should collaborate to create new values without conflict, learning from each other's strengths [para. 19].

Ren also spoke highly of Huawei's commitment to fostering global talent and emphasized the company's unique approach to overcoming challenges and remaining a global player despite geopolitical tensions [para. 21]. He stressed the company's dedication to supporting competitions like the ICPC, as they promote openness, international cooperation, and the exchange of ideas [para. 8]. Despite operating amid a complex international landscape, Ren noted that Huawei learns continually from both young talents and established global figures, maintaining an environment of constant growth and adaptation [para. 9][para. 18].

Finally, Ren acknowledged the significance of remote communication technologies, underlining Huawei's support for such advancements and how they enable efficient global collaboration. However, he indicated a preference for personal interaction, recognizing the irreplaceable value of face-to-face communication [para. 17][para. 22]. Reflecting on his journey, Ren shared experiences from Huawei's early days, underscoring resilience and adaptability as essential traits for success [para. 18][para. 13]. Overall, Ren Zhengfei's insights portray a nuanced understanding of AI's impact, capturing the intersection of technology, societal progress, and global cooperation.