Speaking Of Asia: Amid Wuhan virus crisis, a 5G morale booster for China

British decision on Huawei offers a way forward for Asian nations yet to make 5G decision

ST ILLUSTRATION: MANNY FRANCISCO
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And so, Britain has shown its hand, finally, on the matter of Huawei and 5G networks.

Five years after it so angered its transatlantic ally, the United States, and risked the special relationship the two supposedly enjoy by signing on with the China-promoted Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the United Kingdom has done it again: Despite the sternest warnings from Washington, it has announced that it will continue to let Huawei participate in building its 5G network.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on January 31, 2020, with the headline Speaking Of Asia: Amid Wuhan virus crisis, a 5G morale booster for China. Subscribe