Jakarta, INTI - Huawei has made an unexpected statement regarding the technology restrictions imposed by the United States on China over the past several years. Rather than criticizing the measures, the company expressed gratitude to Washington, arguing that export controls on advanced chips have accelerated the development of China’s semiconductor industry.
The remarks were delivered by Huawei Chairman Liang Hua during a recent industry forum. According to Liang, U.S. export controls have encouraged Chinese companies to increase investments in research and development (R&D) while strengthening their domestic technology supply chains.
“U.S. export restrictions have compelled Chinese industries to invest more heavily in innovation and the development of core technologies,” Liang stated.
Tightening Access to Strategic Technologies
Since 2019, the U.S. government has progressively tightened restrictions on Huawei and other Chinese technology companies, limiting access to a range of strategic technologies. These measures have included advanced semiconductor chips, chip design software, and semiconductor manufacturing equipment supplied by Western companies.
As a result, Huawei temporarily lost access to several critical components essential to its smartphone and telecommunications infrastructure businesses. The company also became unable to offer Google services on Android devices marketed internationally.
However, in response to these restrictions, China has intensified efforts to reduce its reliance on foreign technology. Both government agencies and private enterprises have invested heavily in the development of domestic semiconductors, software platforms, operating systems, and semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
According to Liang, external pressure from the United States has become one of the key factors accelerating this technological transformation.
Huawei’s Shift Toward Domestic Innovation
Huawei has emerged as one of the most visible examples of China’s push for technological self-sufficiency. After facing significant challenges following U.S. sanctions, the company successfully returned to the premium smartphone market with devices powered by domestically developed chips while expanding its independent technology ecosystem.
In addition to advancing its HarmonyOS operating system, Huawei has increased the adoption of locally designed chips across a growing range of products and services.
Catalyst for China’s Semiconductor Growth
Huawei’s comments come amid intensifying technological competition between the United States and China, particularly in semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI).
The U.S. government maintains that export controls are necessary to safeguard national security and prevent advanced technologies from being utilized for military purposes. However, some observers argue that these restrictions have unintentionally accelerated China’s efforts to build a more independent and competitive technology industry.
Liang acknowledged that China’s semiconductor sector still faces significant challenges. Nevertheless, he emphasized that domestic technological capabilities continue to improve and are becoming increasingly competitive with international alternatives.
In Huawei’s view, policies originally intended to limit China’s technological progress have instead become one of the driving forces behind the rapid development of the country’s domestic semiconductor industry, reinforcing its pursuit of greater technological independence.
Conclusion
Huawei believes that U.S. technology restrictions have accelerated China’s drive toward technological self-reliance. While challenges remain, increased investment in domestic innovation, semiconductor development, and independent technology ecosystems is strengthening China’s ability to compete globally and reduce dependence on foreign technologies.
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