Huawei founder says USA overestimates its semiconductor prowess

Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei has said the USA overestimates his company’s semiconductor design prowess, which is at least a generation behind rival chipmakers.

In a friendly interview with Communist Party organ People’s Daily, Ren was asked about the USA’s recent claim that Huawei’s “Ascend” AI accelerator chips are based on stolen American tech, meaning anyone using them anywhere therefore violates Washington’s export controls and risks legal action.

“There are many chip companies in China, and many of them are doing well,” Ren replied, before adding “Huawei is one of them.”

“The United States has exaggerated Huawei's achievements. Huawei is not that great yet. We need to work hard to live up to their evaluation. Our single chip is still one generation behind the United States.”

The founder didn’t mention which generation he’s referring to. Nvidia’s current flagship is the Blackwell architecture ...