Huawei founder predicts internet of things is next US battle – The Financial Times
What happened: Huawei founder Ren Zhenfei expects conflict between the Shenzhen-based telecom giant and the US will continue, and that it will involve industrial applications of the internet of things (IoT). Huawei is trying to quickly develop the hardware and software necessary for automating factory floors, in an effort to set the standard for the industry. “They’ll fight IoT next. Let them fight,” Zhengfei said.
Why it’s important: The “let them fight” quote reflect’s Ren Zhengfei’s public statements towards US efforts to bar it from the development of 5G networks. Regarding the export ban in May, he said it could cost Huawei $30 billion in output, but that he didn’t think it would “thwart our [Huawei’s] progress.” Huawei has been fighting to become the industry trendsetter in 5G, and it is trying the same with industrial IoT. According to this statement, Ren Zhengfei thinks the US will go after them in that technology as well, hinting at deeper differences.