US regulators have denied a request by China Mobile to operate in the country, saying the company's links to the Chinese government pose a national security risk. AFP
US regulators have denied a request by China Mobile to operate in the country, saying the company's links to the Chinese government pose a national security risk. AFP
US regulators have denied a request by China Mobile to operate in the country, saying the company's links to the Chinese government pose a national security risk. AFP
US regulators have denied a request by China Mobile to operate in the country, saying the company's links to the Chinese government pose a national security risk. AFP

Beijing slams US for 'unreasonable suppression' of China Mobile


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Beijing on Friday slammed the US for the ‘unreasonable suppression’ of China Mobile after US regulators denied the telecom giant's request to operate in the US market over national security concerns.

The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday said that because of China Mobile USA's ownership and control by the Chinese government, allowing it into the US market “would raise substantial and serious national security and law enforcement risks”.

The decision brings the Chinese telecoms giant's eight-year effort to crack the US market to an end, but was not really a surprise since FCC Chairman Ajit Pai had publicly opposed the company's application last month.

“We urge the US to... stop the wrong practice of always using national security (as a pretext), and stop the unreasonable suppression of Chinese enterprises,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said.

“We also urge the US to provide a fair, impartial and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese companies investing in the US,” he said.

China Mobile - the world's largest mobile operator with nearly 930 million customers as of February - first filed an application for permission to operate in the US in 2011.

The five-member FCC said in a statement that the decision was made after “extensive review” and “close consultation” with national security and law enforcement agencies.

The move comes as Chinese tech firms - such as Huawei and ZTE - have faced stiff resistance from US government agencies, which have described them as security threats.

Denial of the China Mobile request came as the trade war between the two countries intensified, with the US increasing tariffs on Chinese products on Friday and Beijing vowing to retaliate.

Who was Alfred Nobel?

The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.

  • In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
  • Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
  • Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
While you're here
Getting there

The flights

Flydubai operates up to seven flights a week to Helsinki. Return fares to Helsinki from Dubai start from Dh1,545 in Economy and Dh7,560 in Business Class.

The stay

Golden Crown Igloos in Levi offer stays from Dh1,215 per person per night for a superior igloo; www.leviniglut.net 

Panorama Hotel in Levi is conveniently located at the top of Levi fell, a short walk from the gondola. Stays start from Dh292 per night based on two people sharing; www. golevi.fi/en/accommodation/hotel-levi-panorama

Arctic Treehouse Hotel in Rovaniemi offers stays from Dh1,379 per night based on two people sharing; www.arctictreehousehotel.com

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The specs

Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors

Power: Combined output 920hp

Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic

Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km

On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025

Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000

The specs

Engine: Two permanent-magnet synchronous AC motors

Transmission: two-speed

Power: 671hp

Torque: 849Nm

Range: 456km

Price: from Dh437,900 

On sale: now

Skoda Superb Specs

Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol

Power: 190hp

Torque: 320Nm

Price: From Dh147,000

Available: Now

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