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Chinese telecommunications equipment maker Huawei is reported to have hired an ex official from the Bush administration as its adviser, in a bid to make inroads into the US market.
John Bellinger, the adviser in question, worked as chief attorney at the State Department and advised the National Security Council under George W Bush. He is currently a partner at Arnold & Porter, a law firm.
Huawei's move is a proof that the company is trying hard to gain a market share in the US telecom market and convince the US national security authorities that it has no "military ties" and should be allowed to make acquisition in the US.
Huawei quit a joint bid for 3 Com in 2008 after it became evident that the Bush administration would block the transaction.
US law allows the Committee on Foreign Investment in the US to block acquisition of sensitive US assets by foreign companies on national security grounds. Technology and telecoms assets are especially sensitive.
Recruiting Bellinger shows that Huawei does not want to repeat its mistakes.
Besides Huawei, more and more Chinese companies become aware of the importance of seeking counsel from overseas veterans or ex officials in their global strategy.
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