6G Photo: VCG
In recent years, two important events have occurred in the global communications technology field. First, China has built the world’s first 6G communications and intelligent integration field test network, significantly improving the performance of communications systems. Second, Germany plans to exclude technologies and components of Huawei, ZTE and other Chinese communications companies from its 5G wireless network by 2029 due to concerns about “espionage,” and sees this as a step toward “risk avoidance.” These two events are in stark contrast. While the world-leading China continues to push forward with the research and development of 6G technology, some countries are still arguing over which companies’ products to use for 5G technology.
The reason why Germany has been positive about using Chinese 5G products so far has been simple: Chinese telecommunications equipment offers higher quality, more stability, and more reasonable prices, which are the natural outcome of market competition. Despite continuous pressure from the United States, Germany has maintained a rational and pragmatic stance in the past few years, choosing what is in its own interests. This decision seems to be the product of multilateral pressure and domestic political maneuvering, rather than the result of careful consideration. Security agencies have made a big deal out of the so-called Chinese espionage issue, and some parties in the “traffic light coalition” government are eagerly pursuing “risk avoidance” from China. 5G, which should have been treated with caution, has been hastily pushed towards the so-called politically correct “ban” option.
In the field of communications technology, whether it is the development of cutting-edge technology or commercial deployment, China undoubtedly leads the world. This is a major concern for the United States. The United States is focusing on the yet-to-be-determined international standards of 6G, forming a “small group” to formulate its own “international standards” and undermine China’s achievements. In February, the United States gathered nine countries, including Canada, the Czech Republic, and Finland, to form the “6G Alliance.” However, without China’s participation, the progress of global 6G development will be extremely difficult. As an extension and upgrade of 5G technology, 6G must rely on 5G technological accumulation and large-scale industrial base to seek innovative paths, and at this level, China has become indispensable.
As for the so-called network security risks of China’s 5G, most insightful people around the world realize that this is just a tool used by the United States to suppress Chinese companies. To date, no country has proven that Chinese companies’ equipment poses a security threat. On the contrary, countries that followed Washington’s lead have suffered losses in the application of 5G. The UK, one of the countries that responded most actively to the US call to exclude Huawei from the 5G build-out, had poor 5G performance compared to its European peers, according to a 5G benchmark test conducted by Spanish company Medux in February this year. UK telecommunications operators lagged behind other European telecommunications operators, with London at the bottom and Berlin at the top among major cities. The UK’s ban on Huawei’s 5G equipment is the main reason for the poor performance.
Germany’s 5G progress and overall digitalization is performing well in Europe, with Chinese companies such as Huawei and ZTE making significant contributions, with Huawei equipment accounting for over 50% of Germany’s 5G radio access network. Now, following the already proven wrong British policy, Germany is planning to eliminate Chinese equipment and components based on unfounded fears, weakening its own advantages and capabilities under the guise of “risk aversion”. According to previously published internal Deutsche Telekom documents, the replacement of the components will take five years and cost a total of €3 billion (about RMB 23.7 billion).
As China has always emphasized, non-cooperation is the biggest risk, and lack of development is the biggest anxiety. China has made great achievements in the communications field and is willing to cooperate with countries around the world. It is unrealistic to exclude China from this field. Chinese communications companies have been operating in Europe for many years, building high-quality communications infrastructure, creating many jobs and significant tax revenues. China has opened up 5G construction to European companies such as Nokia and Ericsson and has never considered them a “security threat.” China and Europe should expand the vast space of economic and trade cooperation, rather than creating artificial political conflict. Win-win cooperation will help enhance the competitiveness of companies on both sides and make technological achievements more public to the general public. This is the best way to “avoid risks.”
