Zhao Haijun
All peopleZhao Haijun, full AI read
Zhao Haijun, Co-CEO, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (China), ranks #278/500 on the Power & Influence Index (49.6). Greatest lever: AI power (70.0, Strong). Entrenchment 60/100; net worth $1bn.
Dimension read
| Dimension | Value | Standing | What a high vs low value means, and where Zhao Haijun sits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PII Power & Influence (PII) | 49.6 | Moderate · #275/635 | Mid-pack. High would mean near the apex of civilizational influence; low would mean lower relative influence within this elite set. ▲ high: near the apex of civilizational influence · ▼ low: lower relative influence within this elite set |
| Economic power Economic power | 60.0 | Moderate · #304/635 | Mid-pack. High would mean controls vast wealth and companies; low would mean limited economic control. ▲ high: controls vast wealth and companies · ▼ low: limited economic control |
| Political power Political power | 40.0 | Developing · #448/635 | Low here, little formal political power. ▲ high: commands states, law or policy · ▼ low: little formal political power |
| AI power AI power | 70.0 | Strong · #125/635 | High here, shapes or controls the trajectory of AI. ▲ high: shapes or controls the trajectory of AI · ▼ low: limited sway over AI's direction |
| Platform reach Platform reach | 25.0 | Lagging · #607/635 | Low here, limited direct reach. ▲ high: commands a vast audience or network · ▼ low: limited direct reach |
| Institutional control Institutional control | 78.0 | Strong · #163/635 | High here, controls pivotal institutions and capital. ▲ high: controls pivotal institutions and capital · ▼ low: limited institutional control |
| Entrenchment / tenure Entrenchment / tenure | 60.0 | Moderate · #371/635 | Mid-pack. High would mean power is locked in (indefinite or controlling stake); low would mean power is contingent, term-limited or contestable. ▲ high: power is locked in (indefinite or controlling stake) · ▼ low: power is contingent, term-limited or contestable |
Strengths
- AI power (70.0, Strong), shapes or controls the trajectory of AI.
- Institutional control (78.0, Strong), controls pivotal institutions and capital.
Risk factors
- Significant but balanced influence with no single dominant lever.
AI worldview
Ideas & positions
Zhao Haijun, Co-CEO of Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC), has not made extensive public statements specifically about AI. However, his focus on semiconductor foundry and chip manufacturing suggests a strong belief in the importance of foundational technology for AI development. He has emphasized the need for domestic fabrication capabilities in China to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, which indirectly supports the growth of AI by ensuring a stable supply of essential hardware. Zhao has not publicly taken a stance on existential risk, open vs closed models, or specific regulatory frameworks for AI.
What shapes the view
Zhao's views are likely shaped by the strategic importance of semiconductors in the global tech landscape and China's push for technological self-reliance. His emphasis on domestic fabrication aligns with broader national security and economic goals, reflecting a pragmatic approach to technology development. The competitive dynamics of the semiconductor industry, including the U.S.-China trade tensions, also influence his perspective on the role of technology in national and corporate strategy.
The AI-powered future they see
Zhao publicly predicts a future where advanced semiconductor technology will enable significant advancements in AI and other high-tech fields. He promotes the idea that robust domestic fabrication capabilities will be crucial for China to maintain its competitive edge in the global tech market. While he does not explicitly discuss AI-specific outcomes, his focus on technological sovereignty implies a vision where China can leverage AI for economic and strategic gains.