A senior executive at the Chinese technology giant Huawei dismissed the notion that a shortage of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) chips will hinder China's ambition to lead in AI. However, Zhang Ping'an, CEO of Huawei Cloud, acknowledged the necessity for innovation to address the issue. These remarks were made in response to tighter US restrictions on the shipment of advanced AI chips to China, including a ban on sales by companies like Nvidia. Zhang emphasized that while there is a limitation on computing power in China, the reliance on AI chips with advanced manufacturing processes should not be the sole foundation for AI infrastructure. He stated, "If we believe that not having the most advanced AI chips means we will be unable to lead in AI, then we need to abandon this viewpoint. " Despite Huawei's placement on the US Entity List, preventing the purchase of advanced chips from US companies, the company has developed its own AI chip called Ascend, which is widely used in China for training AI models. However, Ascend, along with other Chinese AI chips, is considered to have significantly less computing power compared to Nvidia's offerings. Zhang called for innovative approaches that prioritize the use of cloud technology, which can help compensate for the lack of advanced AI chips through advancements in computing architecture.

He also emphasized the need for a converged approach, combining cloud, edge, and network technologies to reduce energy consumption and enhance overall efficiency. Zhang highlighted Huawei Cloud as a leader in providing such innovative solutions. The World AI Conference in Shanghai hosted the forum where Zhang made these remarks, with the event spanning three days. Reporting from Casey Hall in Shanghai and additional input from the Beijing newsroom contributed to this article. It was edited by Susan Fenton.