Huawei combating Android ban, setting large R&D infrastructure: Report

Chinese tech company Huawei is expanding aggressively after it faced a string of issues in the United States. US President Donald Trump accused the company of spying for the Chinese government and stealing trade secrets.

Consequentially, Huawei's Android license was canceled. Instead of bowing down post the setback, the company has gone into aggressive mode. The company recently launched its own operating system called the HarmonyOS which is based on the InternetofThings (IoT) paradigm and works across devices. The company has also launched a TV and a smartphone-based operating system.

The company is now setting up a large research and development facility in Russia. It will triple its R&D staff in the country in the next six years, according to Russian state newspaper Sputnik.

The company is expected to hire 1,500 new staff in the coming two years, increasing its current staff to above 2,000.

China has turned its sights to members of the BRICS countries as a potential market, as it is mired in controversies in the West. One of its targets may be neighboring India, which is numerically the biggest smartphone market in the world. Huawei has also issued an ultimatum to India over similar bans over its products, in case the country sides with the US on the ban.

Russian and Chinese companies have been at the center of increased scrutiny. The Donald Trump administration has tightened the pincer on such companies and the cancellation of the Android license of Huawei seems to send out a strong signal to all tech companies. While ban continues, the eastern market may present better avenues for the company, which is known not only for its range of smartphones but also its cheap telecom equipment.

Huawei has developed infrastructure for 5G connectivity and is eager to sell it to countries such as India. It is one of the few companies that have such capabilities currently. It remains to be seen how the US handles the situation since companies such as Samsung and OnePlus have already announced their upcoming 5G phones.