US Underestimates Our Strength: Huawei Boss

Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei struck a defiant tone on Tuesday against American attempts to block his company's global ambitions, saying the US "underestimates" the telecom giant's strength.

Ren spoke to the mainland state media days after President Donald Trump issued orders aimed at thwarting Huawei's business in the United States, the latest salvo in a months-long effort to stop the company's charge to the top firm in next-generation 5G technology.

"The current practice of US politicians underestimates our strength," Ren said, according to CCTV.

"Huawei's 5G will absolutely not be affected. In terms of 5G technologies, others won't be able to catch up with Huawei in two or three years," he said.

Last week, Trump declared a "national emergency" empowering him to blacklist companies seen as "an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States" – a move analysts said was clearly aimed at Huawei.

At the same time, the US Commerce Department announced an effective ban on American companies selling or transferring US technology to Huawei.

US internet giant Google, whose Android mobile operating system powers most of the world's smartphones, said this week it was beginning to cut ties with Huawei in light of the ban.

But the Commerce Department overnight on Monday issued a 90-day reprieve on the ban on the transfer of technology by allowing temporary licences.

"The US 90-day temporary licence does not have much impact on us, we are ready," Ren said.

Half of chips used in Huawei equipment come from the United States and the other half are made by the Chinese company, he said.

"We cannot be isolated from the world," Ren said.

"We can also make the same chips as the US chips, but it doesn't mean we won't buy them," he added.

Asked how long Huawei may face difficult times, Ren said: "You may need to ask Trump about this question, not me." (AFP)