Xiaomi Executives Fire Back at Huawei's Yu Chengdong Amid Heated Industry Rivalry

In response, Xiaomi's Chairman, Lei Jun, posted a message on Weibo, China's popular social media platform, which included a quote from renowned author Mo Yan: "Slander is a form of admiration." However, Lei Jun later edited the post to remove the quote, leaving only the information about Xiaomi's automotive sales and the upcoming mass production of the Xiaomi YU7 model. Notably, Lei Jun replied with three heart emojis to comments from netizens who agreed with the quote, suggesting that he still endorsed the sentiment. Similarly, Xiaomi's President, Lu Weibing, also referenced the same quote in his response to Yu's comments.

Another Xiaomi executive, Wang Hua, the company's Public Relations General Manager, also weighed in on the issue, citing a traditional Chinese proverb: "The reeds on the wall are top-heavy and have shallow roots; the bamboo shoots in the mountains have thick skin and empty interiors." This statement is widely interpreted as a veiled response to Yu Chengdong's criticism, implying that while Huawei may boast about its capabilities, its substance may be lacking.

The exchange between the two tech giants has garnered significant attention, with many netizens and industry observers speculating about the implications of this public spat. Yu Chengdong's remarks were made at the 2025 Future Automotive Pioneer Conference, where he emphasized the importance of having robust marketing and brand abilities in today's internet and social media era. His statement sparked a heated response from Xiaomi's leadership, with many seeing it as a jab at the company's automotive division.

As the competition between Xiaomi and Huawei continues to heat up, it remains to be seen how this war of words will affect their respective businesses and reputations in the market. Ultimately, the goal for both companies should be to produce high-quality products that will win over consumers, rather than relying on marketing gimmicks or verbal sparring. The development of the automotive industry will depend on innovation, technological advancements, and a focus on quality, and companies like Xiaomi and Huawei will need to prioritize research and development, investing in new technologies and talent to drive growth.

By focusing on creating products that meet the evolving needs of consumers, rather than simply trying to one-up their competitors, companies like Xiaomi and Huawei can help drive the industry forward and create a brighter future for the country's manufacturing sector. As the Chinese proverb goes, "it's not about being the loudest, but about being the strongest." The success of China's automotive industry will depend on its ability to innovate and create value for consumers, and by prioritizing quality, technological advancements, and customer satisfaction, these companies can achieve this goal.