Business
China Telcos Weigh Sharing 5G Network to Cut Costs, Potentially Hurting Huawei
HONG KONG—China Telecom said on Aug. 22 it is ready to build a 5G mobile network with its rivals in order to reduce costs, a proposal that is likely to cut multi-billion dollar equipment orders for vendors such as Huawei Technologies.
China’s big three state telcos are racing to roll out 5G services in more than 50 cities this year, following countries like South Korea and the United States which have already started the service that promises to support new technologies such as autonomous driving.
While the gradual rollout of 5G services globally is a boon to telecoms gear makers, tie-ups by mobile operators in China, the world’s biggest smartphone market, to build the network together threaten to cut the size of the overall 5G infrastructure spending.
The proposal also comes as Huawei is fighting a trade ban from Washington that has hurt its business since May and could cut off its access to essential U.S. suppliers.
China Telecom Chairman Ke Ruiwen said on Thursday the company had reached a tentative agreement with rival China Unicom to jointly build a 5G network where they would share part of the infrastructure, after China Unicom expressed interest in that last week.
“Co-building and co-sharing would bring great savings in capital expenditure, operating expenditure, as well as improve resource utilization,” Ke said, without giving numbers.
China Unicom Chairman Wang Xiaochu said last week 5G network sharing could save it between 200 billion yuan to 270 billion yuan ($28.2 billion to $38.1 billion). But both companies kept their 2019 capex guidance unchanged.
Mobile operators are seeking to build networks together to share the heavy capital expenditure burden, as their earnings growth eases due to slowing subscriber growth and government pressure to cut tariffs.
Unlike South Korea and the United States, China aims to build the kind of 5G network known as stand-alone network, which is more powerful than an upgrade based on the existing 4G network but is costlier.
Both Ke and Wang said they are open to working with other players including China’s largest…
Business
BRICS: China Classifies Crypto as Property and Prohibits Business Ownership
China’s Shanghai court ruled cryptocurrencies are property, boosting optimism in the crypto industry while maintaining a ban on business transactions. This may signal a shift in future regulations.
China’s Ruling on Cryptocurrency
In a pivotal decision for the nation and its BRICS alliance, China has officially classified cryptocurrency as property while maintaining prohibitions against business transactions involving digital assets. A notable ruling from the Shanghai Songjiant People’s Court affirmed cryptocurrencies as property, sparking optimism within the crypto industry regarding future regulations.
Implications for the Crypto Industry
As cryptocurrencies gain significance globally, the Chinese ruling is viewed as a potential-positive shift amidst ongoing restrictions. While individuals can hold virtual currency, businesses remain barred from engaging in investment transactions or issuing tokens independently. This decision has generated anticipation for more accommodating regulations in the future.
Future Prospects for Cryptocurrency in China
Experts like Max Keiser believe this ruling indicates China’s growing acknowledgment of Bitcoin’s influence. As BRICS nations explore increased cryptocurrency utilization in trade, this legal shift could enhance market demand and lead to greater acceptance of cryptocurrencies as a legitimate asset class, setting the stage for potential developments in 2025.
Source : BRICS: China Rules Crypto as Property, Bars Business Holdings
Business
Wegovy: The Popular Weight-Loss Drug Now Available in China
Novo Nordisk launched Wegovy in China after approval, competing with Eli Lilly’s upcoming weight-loss drug. The treatment, costing 1,400 yuan, targets obesity but has potential side effects and isn’t covered by healthcare.
Wegovy Launch in China
Novo Nordisk recently launched its weight-loss drug, Wegovy, in China after obtaining approval from local health authorities in June. The introduction of Wegovy is expected to increase competition with Eli Lilly, which has also received approval for its weight-loss treatment, although it has not yet been released in China’s significant pharmaceutical market.
Cost and Accessibility
In China, a set of four Wegovy injections will be priced at 1,400 yuan (approximately $194), significantly lower than the drug’s U.S. price. However, patients will need to pay the full amount out of pocket since Wegovy is not yet covered by the national healthcare insurance plan.
Benefits and Side Effects
Research indicates that Wegovy can help users lose over 10% of their body weight. The drug contains semaglutide, which assists with appetite control and satiety. While Wegovy has been gaining traction globally, it may cause side effects like nausea. Concerns have emerged about its misuse among individuals who are not obese, prompting medical professionals to remain vigilant.
Source : Popular weight-loss drug Wegovy goes on sale in China
Business
China’s Golden Rooster Film Festival Kicks Off in Xiamen – Thailand Business News
The 2024 China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival began in Xiamen on Nov 13, featuring awards, cultural projects worth 31.63 billion yuan, and fostering international film collaborations.
2024 China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival Opens
The 2024 China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival commenced in Xiamen, Fujian province, on November 13. This prestigious event showcases the top film awards in China and spans four days, concluding with the China Golden Rooster Awards ceremony on November 16.
The festival features various film exhibitions, including the Golden Rooster Mainland Film Section and the Golden Rooster International Film Section. These showcases aim to highlight the achievements of Chinese-language films and foster global cultural exchanges within the film industry.
On the festival’s opening day, a significant milestone was reached with the signing of 175 cultural and film projects, valued at 31.63 billion yuan ($4.36 billion). Additionally, the International Film and Television Copyright Service Platform was launched, furthering the globalization of Chinese film and television properties.
Source : China’s Golden Rooster film festival opens in Xiamen – Thailand Business News
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- Wegovy: The Popular Weight-Loss Drug Now Available in China
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