[News] Samsung and Xiaomi Chairmen Meet in Beijing, Fuel Speculation of EV Collaboration

According to Economic Daily News, citing Chosun Ilbo, Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong attends the China Development Forum (CDF) in Beijing. Notably, on March 22, Lee visited Xiaomi’s electric vehicle (EV) plant and held a meeting with Xiaomi Chairman Lei Jun. Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon was also in attendance at the meeting, according to South Korean news agency NEWSIS.

This marks Lee’s first return to the CDF in two years, with his previous appearance having been in 2023. Other participants include SK hynix CEO Kwak Noh-jung, Apple CEO Tim Cook, as well as executives from major global companies such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Nestlé, and FedEx, as noted by Yonhap News Agency.

Potential EV Collaboration with Xiaomi

Although Xiaomi competes with Samsung in the smartphone and consumer electronics markets, its entry into the electric vehicle industry last year has opened the door to potential collaboration in automotive electronics. According to Chosun Ilbo, Lee Jae-yong was briefed by Xiaomi Chairman Lei Jun on the company’s EV strategy. The report suggests that Xiaomi could become a client of Samsung’s supply of automotive components.

Industry sources suggest that this move reflects Samsung’s Chairman Lee’s consistent focus on the future mobility market, as he has identified automotive electronics as a key pillar in Samsung’s next phase of growth. In support of this strategic direction, Samsung has been steadily expanding its investment in vehicle-related technologies such as semiconductors, infotainment systems, displays, and batteries, as noted by Chosun Ilbo.

Moreover, as reported by NEWSIS, analysts suggest that a strategic alliance may be taking shape among Samsung, Xiaomi, and Qualcomm in the automotive electronics sector—particularly following Samsung Electronics’ memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed with Qualcomm earlier this year to supply OLED displays for electric vehicles.

Meanwhile, Apple CEO Tim Cook is also attending the China Development Forum, marking his first visit to China in 2025. When asked on the sidelines of the event whether he had used DeepSeek, Cook responded, “Of course. It’s great,” according to a report by Global Times.

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(Photo credit: Samsung)