Huawei Technologies aims to surpass Apple and Samsung Electronics as the largest smartphone vendor in the China market in five years, according to a China-based sina.com report, citing company rotating CEO Eric Xu.

Xu made the remarks to clarify an earlier statement released by Richard Yu, chairman of Huawei Device and CEO of Huawei's consumer business group, saying that Huawei aims to outperform Apple in 2-3 years and then Samsung in five years to become the largest smartphone vendor.

Huawei aims to become the largest vendor in China, instead of globally, in five years, Xu reiterated.

Meanwhile, Huawei will continue to build itself up as a brand for high-end products globally, Xu added.

Huawei plans to ship 140 million smartphones worldwide in 2016, 44% of which will be mid-range and high-end models.