Barcelona, Catalunya Mar 8, 2025 (Issuewire.com) - Barcelona’s Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 has once again underscored China’s dominance in the global innovation landscape. As one of the world’s leading hubs for technology and research, Barcelona continues to attract major industry players, fostering innovation and international collaboration in AI, 5G, and sustainable technology. With over 300 Chinese firms in attendance, the summit reflects the strength of China's technology sector and its strategic ambitions amid geopolitical tensions.
A Stronger-than-Ever Presence
China's representation at MWC 2025 has grown significantly. Companies such as Huawei, ZTE, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Lenovo have occupied some of the most prominent exhibition spaces at the Fira de Barcelona. According to GSMA, Chinese firms now make up over 30% of exhibitors, up from 25% in previous editions.
Winnie Wu, Vice President of Tongyu Communication, emphasized China's role in shaping wireless infrastructure: "MacroWiFi is not just a technological advancement; it's a paradigm shift in how we envision and implement wireless connectivity."
Key Innovations on Display
Among the most anticipated unveilings was Xiaomi’s Xiaomi 15 Ultra, featuring a 200-megapixel periscope lens co-developed with Leica, challenging competitors in the premium smartphone market. Xiaomi also introduced the SU7 Ultra, an electric vehicle with three electric motors totaling over 1,500 horsepower.
Chinese telecom giant ZTE, in collaboration with China Mobile, presented its "Communication-Sensing-Computing-Intelligence" platform, leveraging 5G-A (5G Advanced) technology for AI-driven network optimization.
Zhang Wanchun, Senior Vice President of ZTE, stated: "5G-A x AI is a key driver of high-quality digital economic development. 'Communication-Sensing-Computing-Intelligence' transforms the network from a mere 'transmission pipeline' into an 'intelligent hub'." Meanwhile, Huawei introduced the Mate XT Ultimate Design, the world’s first smartphone with a triple-folding display, transforming from a pocket-sized device to a 10-inch tablet. Lenovo showcased the ThinkBook Flip, an OLED-based laptop with a 360-degree flexible display, as well as a solar-powered PC prototype signaling a shift toward sustainable technology.
The Geopolitical Undercurrents of China’s Global Leadership
Despite the technological display, U.S.-China tensions remain evident. The Trump administration continues to enforce export controls on high-end semiconductors, limiting access to AI chips from Nvidia and AMD, crucial for training advanced models. These restrictions have accelerated domestic chip production, with Huawei and SMIC investing heavily in alternative semiconductor technologies.
Meanwhile, Europe remains cautious. Several governments—including Germany and the UK—are phasing out Huawei equipment from critical infrastructure due to security concerns. Nevertheless, Huawei remains a dominant player at MWC 2025, displaying its latest AI-powered networking solutions.
Chinese tech firms are increasingly targeting emerging markets to counterbalance regulatory challenges in the West. Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia have become key battlegrounds where brands such as Xiaomi, Vivo, and Tecno are expanding.
Liu Ying, Deputy General Manager of China Telecom, and Wang Limin, Deputy General Manager of China Unicom, emphasized their focus on 5G-A evolution: "We aim to deepen multi-dimensional cooperation in networks, technologies, and business, jointly creating greater value visions."
The AI Race and the Green Quest
AI remains at the forefront of Chinese firms’ strategic vision. Smartphone manufacturers are embedding generative AI capabilities to enhance user experience. Oppo’s latest models feature an AI-driven assistant that transcribes calls in real-time and integrates Google’s Gemini AI, showcasing continued collaboration despite U.S.-China tensions.
Baidu, China’s leading search engine and AI powerhouse, demonstrated its Ernie AI chatbot, claiming it rivals OpenAI’s ChatGPT in Mandarin-language applications. The company also announced partnerships to integrate AI-powered customer service solutions.
Sustainability has taken center stage. Lenovo and Huawei have emphasized recyclable materials and energy-efficient data centers, aligning with global environmental goals. Huawei introduced a liquid-cooling technology for 5G base stations, reportedly reducing energy consumption by 30%.
Expert Insights during the GSMA Ministerial Programme
MWC 2025 has hosted one more year the GSMA Ministerial Programme, the global summit for policymakers, diplomats and leaders from government, industry and international institutions to discuss crucial issues regarding the responsible AI governance, energy efficiency of networks, and the future of sustainable innovation.
Sihan Bo Chen, Head of China for GSMA, is responsible for strengthening the mobile industry's engagement with Chinese companies and regulatory bodies. With extensive experience in the telecommunications sector, she has been instrumental in bridging collaborations between Chinese firms and global operators, particularly in the rollout of 5G and AI-driven telecom solutions. At the world summit, she remarked: "Chinese brands are often perceived as offering good value for money, and they always have AI integration, innovation, optimized performance."
Alexis Roig, a world-leading expert on technology geopolitics and science diplomacy at the United Nations University, who spent over 10 years in China and now leads SciTech DiploHub, the public-private partnership in charge of the internationalization of Barcelona’s tech and science ecosystem, provided insights on China's role at MWC 2025: "China's tech industry is no longer just about scale. It is about setting the global agenda in AI, 5G, and sustainable innovation. The number of Chinese companies present at this global summit highlights the country’s shift from a manufacturing powerhouse to a leader in deep tech."
James Li, CEO of HONOR, has overseen the brand's transformation since its separation from Huawei, positioning it as a global competitor in premium smartphones and AI-powered consumer devices. Under his leadership, HONOR has aggressively expanded into European and Asian markets, focusing on innovation and high-performance hardware. Speaking at MWC 2025, he stated: "HONOR will spend $10 billion over the next five years on developing AI for its devices as the former Huawei unit prepares for a public listing."
Outlook: Resilience Amid Uncertainty
For now, MWC, Barcelona’s most renowned tech summit, stands as a reminder of China’s growing influence in shaping the industry’s future. Looking ahead, attention will shift to MWC Shanghai, scheduled for June 18-20, 2025, where China’s latest technological advancements and strategic priorities will take center stage. Meanwhile, Western companies are responding with increased investments in AI, 5G innovation, and strategic partnerships. Firms such as Qualcomm, Ericsson, and Nokia are strengthening collaborations with regional operators to remain competitive, while U.S. and European policymakers continue to scrutinize Chinese tech expansion, balancing innovation with national security concerns.
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