印度观察家-印度太平洋5G调查：联系与冲突（英文）-2021.4-72页_6mb

5GINDO PACIFIC SURVEY Summary

Core Content

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the 5G landscape across 17 countries in the Indo-Pacific region, highlighting both the technological opportunities and geopolitical tensions associated with 5G deployment. It emphasizes the role of Huawei and the broader US-China tech rivalry in shaping national strategies, while also showcasing the varying approaches of different countries in balancing security, economic interests, and technological advancement.

Main Viewpoints

• 5G as a cornerstone of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR): 5G technology is expected to drive innovation and productivity in sectors like IoT, smart cities, and manufacturing. It offers unprecedented speed and reduced latency, making it a key enabler of future digital infrastructure.

• Geopolitical tensions: The global 5G rollout is increasingly influenced by the US-China rivalry, particularly due to concerns over cybersecurity and national security. Countries are navigating this landscape by either banning or restricting Chinese vendors, or by pursuing homegrown or hybrid solutions.

• Diverse national approaches: The report outlines a spectrum of strategies, ranging from explicit bans (Australia, US, Taiwan) to soft bans (India, Japan, Vietnam) and reliance on Chinese technology (Laos, Brunei, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia). Some countries, like Singapore and Malaysia, adopt a more neutral stance, focusing on their own security and quality standards.

• Economic and strategic interdependence: Many countries in the Indo-Pacific are heavily reliant on Chinese investment and infrastructure, particularly in telecommunications and digital development. This has created a complex web of economic and political dependencies.

• Challenges in implementation: The rollout of 5G faces several hurdles, including regulatory delays, spectrum allocation issues, infrastructure costs, and the need for upgraded legacy systems. Some countries are also dealing with misinformation and public skepticism regarding 5G's safety and impact.

Key Information

5G Readiness and Strategy

Notable Trends

• China's dominance: China is the largest 5G market, with Huawei and ZTE leading the sector. The country has ambitious plans to expand its 5G network, with over 6.5 million base stations targeted by 2025.

• US-led restrictions: The US has taken a firm stance against Chinese vendors, particularly Huawei, with the Biden administration continuing the Trump-era policies. This has led to a global ripple effect, with countries like Australia, Japan, and the Philippines following suit with soft or unofficial bans.

• India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat: India is focusing on self-reliance in 5G, with Reliance Jio aiming to develop homegrown 5G solutions. However, the country faces challenges in upgrading existing infrastructure and is likely to be a late adopter.

• Indonesia and Malaysia: Both countries are facing delays in 5G rollout due to regulatory and infrastructural challenges. Indonesia has yet to allocate sufficient spectrum for 5G, while Malaysia's 5G tender process was rushed and controversial.

• Brunei and Cambodia: These countries are showing early progress in 5G, with strong support for Chinese technology. Brunei has a nationalised telecom system, and Cambodia has signed agreements with Huawei to build its 5G network.

• Vietnam and Philippines: These countries have implemented quiet or indirect bans on Chinese vendors, avoiding explicit naming while still restricting their involvement in 5G projects.

• Japan and South Korea: These nations are leading in 5G innovation and deployment, with Japan focusing on secure, non-Chinese vendors and South Korea pursuing a unique path with its own 5G infrastructure.

• Taiwan: Taiwan has taken a proactive stance, emphasizing "Clean Networks" and positioning itself as a leader in 5G technology.

Conclusion

The 5G rollout in the Indo-Pacific is a complex mix of technological ambition, economic interdependence, and geopolitical strategy. While some countries have embraced Chinese vendors, others have taken a more cautious approach, reflecting the broader global tensions between the US and China. The report underscores the importance of 5G as a strategic asset and the need for countries to balance security concerns with the economic benefits of Chinese technology.