Huawei remains influential in technology despite U.S. concerns

Huawei is a Chinese telecom company that has faced intense scrutiny in the United States. Critics claim it poses a security threat and is a tool for the Chinese government to engage in spying. Huawei has been accused of various offenses, including stealing intellectual property, receiving unfair government subsidies, and helping the Chinese state with surveillance. Despite these controversies, Huawei’s business continues to flourish. In 2023, its revenues were around $100 billion, significantly higher than those of major U.S. companies like Intel. Eva Dou, a journalist, explores Huawei’s journey in her book "House of Huawei." She discusses the rise of its founder, Ren Zhengfei, from humble beginnings to leading one of China's largest tech firms. The book highlights the complex relationship between Huawei and the Chinese government. While many in the West believe that Huawei is directly state-owned, Dou points out that the reality is more nuanced. In the 1980s, state ownership was common in China, making Huawei's ties with the government a part of its strategy to grow. Huawei has been proactive in developing its technology, especially after being banned from buying components from the U.S. In recent years, it has produced its own smartphone chips. The company has also been involved in controversial surveillance programs within China, including technologies used against the Uyghurs. In the past, Huawei faced accusations of undermining American security. This tension escalated when Ren's daughter was arrested in Canada at the request of the United States. Recent revelations about Chinese hacking show that the concerns about Huawei may have some foundation, raising questions about national security. In Washington, efforts to remove Huawei from telecommunications networks have been seen as a success. However, experts suggest that simply banning Huawei will not completely solve the issue of Chinese surveillance. The ongoing debate highlights the broader concerns democracies face in dealing with potential threats from China.