A shining platform for Qualcomm's innovations

Qualcomm, a United States company renowned for its 5G technological innovations, has made a habit of showcasing its latest cutting-edge solutions at the China International Import Expo.

Li Yonggang, technical director of Qualcomm China's marketing department, said the company unveiled a 5G prototype at its booth during the inaugural CIIE in 2018, when 5th-generation mobile network technology was not yet commercially available in China.

"At that time, only a few professional visitors could understand its importance," he recalled.

On June 6, 2019, about half a year after the inaugural CIIE, China issued 5G licenses, thus achieving a leap from 3G and 4G to 5G in its mobile communication networks. Also in 2019, Chinese mobile phone manufacturers launched their first-generation 5G mobile phones. At the second CIIE held that November, Qualcomm's booth displayed more than 10 commercial 5G mobile phones and over 10 5G modules.

At the 2022 CIIE, Qualcomm set up an artificial intelligence area for the first time — a move that was indicative of the direction of the company's technological evolution and a testament to its interaction with the Chinese market. Frank Meng, chairman of Qualcomm China, said the company does not directly provide products to consumers but focuses on the research and development of fundamental technology. "Through our invent-share-collaborate' model, Qualcomm shares its technological achievements with partners to promote the application of advanced technology in the real world," he added.

China has the world's largest and most advanced 5G network, with more than 2.73 million 5G base stations and 634 million 5G mobile phone users as of April of this year. "Be it from the perspective of the development of the industrial chain or the expansion of 'circle of friends; the CIIE has brought excellent opportunities for foreign enterprises to develop in China," said Meng.

At the fifth CIIE in 2022, when the concept of the metaverse was trending worldwide, Qualcomm showcased its 5G Boundless XR event experience solution. At this year's expo, the company will present innovative cooperation results of intelligent connectivity through a more interactive and experiential on-site display.