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Letters | How Hong Kong and Xinjiang stand in the way of China’s 5G aspirations

  • China should have recognised that, in today’s global economy, its behaviour at home affects its ability to do business in other countries

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A man looks at his smartphone as he walks past a sign advertising 5G services at an expo in Beijing on September 14, 2020. Photo: AP
New 5G networks are a potentially a game-changer for individuals and businesses. The technology really is that impressive, and China deserves credit for powering ahead with this technological revolution that could make driverless cars and other innovations a reality soon.
Regrettably, China’s human rights record and actions in Hong Kong and Xinjiang have damaged the country’s reputation and lessened the likelihood of Chinese companies attracting potential partners interested in adopting this new technology. China should have recognised that, in today’s global economy, its behaviour at home affects its ability to do business in other countries.
The possibility of China trying to control the whole world affects the feasibility of its global 5G apirations. It will find that Chinese companies’ involvement in the implementation of 5G networks abroad will not be easy also due to national security concerns. Australia banned Chinese companies from participating in its 5G network and Canadian telecommunication companies are avoiding equipment maker Huawei.

08:55

Huawei's founder on US sanctions, 5G leadership and building trust in Europe

Huawei's founder on US sanctions, 5G leadership and building trust in Europe

Along with other interested observers, I hope China can regain the trust of other countries so that 5G networks can be successfully rolled out across the region and technology can consequently be a force for good in these societies. Ideally, this reset will encompass extending greater autonomy to both Hong Kong and Xinjiang.

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