ZTE defends R&D, innovation as US export ban raises calls in China for ‘core tech’ development
The US export ban threatens to put ZTE, China’s largest listed telecommunications equipment maker, out of business
ZTE Corp, China’s largest listed telecommunications equipment maker, defended its track record in research and development, as well as innovation, as it tried to explain its reliance on American-made technology that is now threatening its survival following a US government ban.
Shenzhen-based ZTE is already a global leader in the development of advanced communications systems, including 5G, and annual patent applications, according to a statement on Tuesday from company chairman Yin Yimin.
“As we all know, countries all over the world are developing their information and communications technologies (ICT),” which are deployed and become part of the global supply chain, according to Yin.
“Therefore, no country can complete the ICT industrial chain independently,” he said. “American companies are no exception.”
The statement followed calls made over the weekend by Alibaba Group Holding and Tencent Holdings for the country’s hi-tech enterprises to own and develop “core technology”, fuelled by a debate over the country’s dependence on foreign know-how after the US export ban prevented ZTE from buying semiconductors, software and other components from American suppliers.