Reports have emerged that Chinese tech giant Huawei is planning to open an optical device research and development base just outside of Cambridge, England. (Photo: IC)
London (People's Daily) - Shortly after the UK government’s decision on Huawei’s role in developing the country’s 5G network was leaked, it was also reported the company is planning to open a research and development facility just outside of Cambridge, England.
According to the Financial Times, Huawei’s UK executive team revealed the plan last week. The facility is expected to be operational by 2021 and will create 400 new jobs.
Huawei has already purchased the 550-acre site where it will turn an abandoned factory into its new chip facility, according to Huanqiu.com. The decision is expected to create greater competition among regional semiconductor talents.
Residents in the area remained positive upon hearing the news, FT reported.
Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei mentioned the company’s plan to open a new UK factory during an interview with BBC earlier this year, but the company has yet to make it official.
Liu Xiaoming, China’s ambassador to the UK, sent a letter to the Sunday Telegraph last week titled, “Britain can and must work with Huawei on 5G.”
Liu pointed out that Huawei had contributed £2 billion to the UK economy over the past five years, creating over 7,500 jobs.
“If China and the UK can keep the long-term goal in mind, follow the trend of globalization and stick to independent decision making, openness, and cooperation, they can work together to build a future with win-win results,” Liu said in the letter.
