China's 5G mobile technology in Asia : US security concerns and regional economic priorities

Abstract

Seeing Chinese fifth generation, or “5G,” mobile communications technology as a potential security threat, the US government has been discouraging other countries from using Chinese 5G equipment despite its global popularity. Understanding this issue requires an explanation of American security concerns related to Chinese 5G technology and a review of the steps the US government has taken to ban Chinese equipment from US communications networks.The responses of several Asian countries to American calls for a prohibition against Chinese 5G equipment are varied. While close US allies generally follow the American call to avoid incorporating Chinese communications equipment, some less developed Asian nations have put economic considerations above security concerns. As a consequence, US policy could create a communications schism between the US and some developing Asian nations. Despite the likelihood of this negative outcome, American policy makers may continue to urge against the use of Chinese equipment because they prioritize security over other considerations.