EU-DIGEST

Given India’s longstanding paranoia over China’s spying abilities, based on its technological prowess, it is no surprise that the government has raised the “red scare” yet again. The Department of Telecommunications has requested domestic telecom companies to refrain from buying Chinese telecom equipment. The renewed security concerns come as India’s telecom industry is on the verge of another expansion. The restrictions on access to cutting-edge yet cheap technology could blunt Indian telecom companies’ competitive edge, say industry sources. The request was conveyed to telecom players in a closed-door meeting, in which players were asked to “self regulate” the use of Chinese equipment in 21 of the 29 Indian states. Notably, Chinese telecom gear can still be used in New Delhi and Karnataka, considered India’s Silicon Valley.

Note EU-Digest: Call the Indian actions paranoia or not, in the US and Europe China is practically given free access to Western technology and a free hand at buying into technically advanced corporations, giving them the opportunity to circumvent the research stage ( and cost) of advanced Western technology. Large numbers of Chinese students and highly skilled professional are also given "fast track" work permits and visas in the US and Europe enabling them to study and work in high-tech and financially sensitive industries without the proper screening of these individuals. China does not provide similar courtesies to their Western counterparts. The West by default has always been pretty unscrupulous when it comes to making money, even if we call it "free trade", but we don't need to give our major competitors a rope so they can eventually hang us, just so we can make some money on the short term ?

Labels: China, EU, India, Technology, US