Editorial | Huawei decisions are down to those making them, not the US
- As the Chinese technology leader announces record profits, the Trump White House continues to exert pressure on other nations not to take its products out of security fears
Huawei’s cutting-edge products and equipment may not be appreciated by the United States, but they have an avid following in many other parts of the world.
The Chinese technology leader yesterday announced record profits and strong overseas growth for last year, placing the firm for the first time beside the likes of Apple and Google’s parent Alphabet in the US$100 billion club.
It is no mean feat given the actions of the White House and American intelligence agencies; bans and criminal charges have been coupled with pressure on countries to keep the firm out of their next-generation 5G networks.
With the financial outlook even more promising, it is obvious that when it comes to telecommunications, governments and customers prefer to put innovation and quality ahead of politics.
The Shenzhen-based company’s annual revenue rose 19.5 per cent to 721.2 billion yuan (US$107.1 billion), with profits up 25 per cent to 59.3 billion yuan. Smartphones and other consumer goods comprised the bulk of earnings, with the carrier business slightly down on last year, although it is forecast to jump as 5G network contracts are signed.
Like its smartphones, Huawei’s 5G equipment is praised for being more advanced, of equal or better quality and cheaper than rivals.