Opening-up the only way forward to success

Ren Zhengfei, founder of China's telecommunications giant Huawei, visited some top domestic universities last month, including Peking University and Tsinghua University, and held talks with some teachers and students. An excerpt:

China's economic aggregate is like a huge tree, which cannot stand firmly without strong roots. The country's economic development model that depended on short-term stimulus programs as in the past is now unsustainable. China's basic industries are not strong. Given the huge input costs, only a few enterprises can afford basic researches. And that can stifle development.

We have formulated a good and scientific economic development goal, but to achieve it, we need talents. China's development is fundamentally linked to education. However, to rejuvenate our education system, we need steady and sound efforts, not hollow slogans.

Millions of Chinese students graduate every year, and the number is much bigger if graduates from vocational or technical schools are counted. Many of these students are smart and could do wonders if imparted differentiated education.

Homogenized education lacking diversity cannot cultivate geniuses. One Steve Jobs changed the face of mobile internet, so who knows another Albert Einstein could be waiting to emerge from among China's rural children?

The government would do better to allocate more funds to rural areas so that poor children there can eat some meat every day, than to build big and luxury houses. Only when more children can devote themselves to the country's development when they grow up can our innovation capabilities be considerably enhanced to narrow the gap with the United States.

The US has the most powerful technology industry and enjoys unique advantages in attracting global talents. However, for a long time before World War II, the US relied heavily on Europe for scientific research and industrial development.

Only after World War II did the US begin to attach importance to basic scientific research that helped it become independent in the sector. Since then, the US has been far ahead of other countries in basic scientific research.

Although the US is now making vigorous efforts to promote technological decoupling with China, it should know that it is opening-up that helped it become so strong and powerful. Self-isolation only leads to backwardness. The more the US promotes decoupling, the more we need to uphold opening-up. Huawei, just like China, will not close its door to development. Only opening-up can lead us to success.