Trade tensions between the U.S. and China have reached a stage where hostility has become a new normal. Both countries have imposed high tariffs on a substantial proportion of each other’s goods and just when we thought the war is de-escalating, President Trump announced 10 percent tariffs on a further US$ 300 billion worth of Chinese goods.

It’s not surprising that China’s technology muscle is independent to a huge extent. The country is the world’s number one smartphone maker in terms of volume, almost every company on this planet relies on components that are made in China, and giants like Baidu, Tencent, and Alibaba offer everything to the end-user.

Sure, Chinese technology giants still rely on a huge chunk of western technology and we’ve already seen how Huawei took the biggest hit. But, while all of us are busy analyzing and understanding the trade war, other countries are making moves, and they’re making them fast.

Other countries swooping in

It’s a classic story of two cats fighting for a piece of cake and a monkey swoops in, fooling both of them. The two incumbents gain nothing in the end and a third-person reap all the benefits. Obviously, a literal translation would be an exaggeration, but we’re seeing a similar anomaly with the Trade War.

According to the U.S Census Bureau, Chinese imports have dropped by US$ 31 billion in the first half of 2019. But, Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, India, and South Korea have successfully bridged the gap. Vietnamese imports to the U.S increased by a whopping US$ 7.6 billion, followed by South Korea at US$ 3.8 billion and India at US$ 2.7 billion.

These records are a combined figure of all imports and not just limited to technology products and services. But, the tides are changing massively in this industry as well.

Companies are uncertain about their long-term investments in China and are looking for alternatives. Samsung and Intel were looking for safer options for years and currently employ 182,000 workers in Vietnam. These factories assemble smartphones, processors, and almost every component one needs.

According to Bloomberg, the Vietnamese government allowed investment licenses to 1,720 projects in the first half of 2019. Nintendo has decided to shift its Switch production to Vietnam and even Sharp has announced relocation plans.

Samsung’s factory in Noida, India

Foxconn, the maker of iPhones in China has bought a land parcel in Vietnam and announced a US$ 200 million investment in India. Apple, in partnership with Wistron India and Foxconn, is already making iPhones in the country and recently top-of-the-line models were also being shipped out.

Samsung already has the world’s largest mobile phone factory in India that assembles top-tier variants, ready for export. While the quantity is negligible when compared to China’s output, these small steps are an indication that China is slowly losing its edge.

It’s no surprise that Huawei is in dire straits. For over a year, the American government has hounded the company night and day. Huawei’s situation in the US is tenuous at best. Naturally, whereas the US is hostile territory, Huawei likely enjoys a warmer reception in its homeland, China.

Now, a new Canalys report has confirmed Huawei’s success in China. According to the report, Huawei’s Chinese market share skyrocketed to 38 percent in the second quarter of 2019. (For reference, Apple — the closest American competitor — is only at 6 percent.) Almost a year ago, Huawei peaked at only 25 percent. Since then, Huawei’s success has climbed consistently.

Somewhat unsurprisingly, Huawei’s success isn’t a purely natural phenomenon. According to the same report, Chinese corporations have started giving away cash incentives for new Huawei users. For example, Xinye Lubricating Oil is offering CNY 500 to employees who switch from an iPhone to a new Huawei device. Similarly, Changsa’s Days Hotel & Suites branch is giving away CNY 200 for employees who use Huawei phones.

Obviously, these corporate pushes are stemming from a renewed patriotism in support of Huawei’s international problems. “As a patriotic company, our company strongly supports domestic brands,” Xinye Lubricating Oil said in a statement.

Unlike foreign countries, China isn’t worried about the mass hysteria surrounding Huawei’s products. For one, the potential loss of Android support doesn’t faze the country. China often relies on its own operating systems and app stores. If anything, Huawei is enjoying a resurgence in support, thanks to Trump’s prolonged trade war.

SEE ALSO: Huawei Y9 Prime with pop-up camera arrives in India

Filipinos now has easier access to fast wi-fi thanks to Google Station. Five months after Google first announced the initiative, it’s now available in more than 400 sites across the Philippines.

Google Station was available in only 50 sites when it first rolled out. Places with large foot traffic got first dibs: airports, LRT 2 and MRT 2 stations, as well as universities. Since its inception Google has seen an average of one million monthly active users in the country who connect to the public wi-fi for an average of 22 minutes per session, multiple times a day.

“We remain committed to serving the Filipino community with fast, free and open Wi-Fi so more people can join the millions of Filipinos already using Google Station,” says K Suri, Director for Next Billion Users for Southeast Asia.

To see the full map of locations, visit http://station.google.com, or check the list below.

1 Clark International Airport
2 Columban College Inc.
3 NAIA Terminal 2
4 NAIA Terminal 3
5 NAIA Terminal 4
6 NAIA Terminal 1
7 Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
8 Sadoce
9 Sacinco
10 Starbucks Smart Tower
11 Ali Mall
12 LRT2 Santolan
13 LRT2 Anonas
14 LRT2 Gilmore
15 LRT2 Recto
16 LRT2 Pureza
17 LRT2 Legarda
18 LRT2 Katipunan
19 LRT2 VMapa
20 LRT2 JRuiz
21 LRT2 Cubao
22 LRT2 BettyGo
23 MRT3 Shaw Boulevard
24 MRT3 Magallanes
25 MRT3 Araneta Center Cubao
26 MRT3 Ortigas
27 MRT3 Santolan
28 MRT3 GMA Kamuning
29 MRT3 Quezon Ave – GMA Kamuning
30 MRT3 Quezon Avenue
31 MRT3 Boni – Guadalupe
32 MRT3 Santolan – Ortigas
33 MRT3 Boni
34 MRT3 Ayala
35 MRT3 North Avenue
36 MRT3 Guadalupe
37 MRT3 Araneta Center Cubao – Santolan
38 MRT3 Shaw Boulevard – Boni
39 MRT3 Taft Avenue
40 MRT3 GMA Kamuning – Araneta Center
41 MRT3 Ortigas – Shaw Boulevard
42 MRT3 Buendia
43 City Hall of Mandaluyong
44 Gateway Mall
45 Araneta Bus Port
46 Davao International Airport
47 Holy Cross of Davao College
48 Bukidnon State University
49 City Hall of Baguio
50 Port Of Batangas
51 Ateneo De Naga
52 Southern Luzon State University
53 Letran Calamba
54 Cebu South Bus Terminal
55 Bohol Island State University
56 Cebu Technological University
57 University of Cebu – Main Campus
58 MIAA ADMIN
59 MIAA ECD
60 MIAA Engineering
61 Partas Bus Liner Cubao
62 City Hall of Navotas
63 Taguig City Hall
64 Quezon City Hall
65 Valenzuela City Hall
66 DLTB Cubao-Edsa
67 Coliseum Arcade
68 Gateway Tower
69 Shopwise Arcade
70 Cyberpark Tower 1
71 Manhattan Heights Arcade
72 Laguindingan Airport
73 Manhattan Parkview Arcade
74 Manhattan Parkway Arcade
75 General Santos Airport
76 Zamboanga International Airport
77 Laoag International Airport
78 Roxas City Airport
79 Iloilo International Airport
80 Caticlan Airport
81 Tarlac State University
82 Bluebay Walk
83 Maritime Industry Authority
84 De La Salle University
85 Duty Free Phils – Fiesta Mall
86 South Bus Station Alabang
87 Sangguniang Panglungsod ng Davao
88 Zamboanga Port
89 Provincial Capitol of Misamis Oriental
90 Western Mindanao State University
91 Cagayan Town Center
92 Pangasinan State University-Lingayen
93 Ramon Magsaysay Technical University
94 Baler Central Terminal
95 Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University
96 Port of Calapan
97 Legaspi Airport
98 Puerto Princesa Port
99 Capitol of Laguna
100 Imus Terminal Mall
101 Lucena City National High School
102 Coral Center
103 Carmel Mall
104 Bacolod Airport
105 Kalibo International Airport
106 Cebu Port Pier 1
107 Cebu Institute of Technology
108 Holy Name University
109 Caticlan Jettyport
110 South Town Center Cebu
111 Plaza Marcela Mall
112 Dao Integrated Bus Terminal
113 Cebu Public Library
114 PLDT MGO 8F
115 Tacloban Integrated Bus Terminal
116 College of Immaculate Conception
117 New Frontier Arcade
118 Dapitan Port
119 Dumaguete Port
120 Dipolog Airport
121 City Hall of Meycauayan
122 Municipality of Bocaue
123 City Hall of Malolos
124 Pambayang Dalubhasaan ng Marilao
125 NBI Central Luzon RO, Capitol Compound San Fernando City, Pampanga
126 City Hall of Muntinlupa
127 City Hall of Pasay
128 LTO, MANILA EAST D.O.
129 City Hall of San Juan
130 NBI Head Quarters, Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila 1000
131 DLTB EDSA – Tramo
132 DLTB LRT – Taft
133 DLTB EDSA – Malibay
134 City Government of Cagayan de Oro
135 NBI Western Mindanao Regional Office
136 Daima Port – Misamis Occidental
137 City Government of Dapitan
138 Acitivity Center (City Government of Tangub)
139 Geege Mall
140 Partas Bus Terminal_Vigan
141 NBI Cordillera Admin RO, 125 Upper Session Road Baguio City
142 NBI Isabela District Office
143 City Hall of Laoag
144 NBI CALABARZON RO, Capitol Site, Batangas City
145 NBI Lucena District Office
146 Capitol of Batangas
147 Municipal Hall of Tanza
148 City Hall of Puerto Princesa
149 City Hall of Sta Rosa
150 DLTB Lucena
151 Cebu Provincial Capitol
152 Bacolod Port
153 NBI Bacolod DO, Old Capitol Bldg. South Capitol Road, Bacolod City
154 Ormoc Port – Ormoc
155 Provincial Govt of Iloilo
156 NBI Eastern Visayas Regional Office
157 Mae Wess Sasa Wharf
158 City Hall of Bacoor
159 City Hall of Biñan
160 City Hall of Cebu_Upgrade
161 NBI Cagayan Valley Regional Office
162 NBI Cavite DO, J.P Rizal Street, Brgy Kaybagal, Tagaytay City
163 Panacanang Davao
164 Sibulan Port – Dumaguete
165 Tagbilaran Port – Tagbilaran
166 Tacloban Airport (Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport)
167 QC D3 Brgy Area 13 – Socorro
168 QC D3 Brgy Area 14 – Claro
169 NBI Dagupan District Office
170 Ormoc City Hall LGU
171 Laoag Aurora Park
172 BBZ Bistro (Backwell by BBZ)
173 Mandaue City Hall
174 City Hall of Sta Rosa Building B
175 Partas Bus Terminal_Laoag
176 Capitol of Benguet
177 Super 8 – CALOOCAN
178 QC D3 Brgy Area 14 – Amihan
179 Sacred Heart Hospital of Malolos Inc.
180 Barangay Hall Pulo ng Cabuyao
181 Municipal Hall of Marilao
182 City Hall of Trece Martires
183 Banilad Town Centre
184 Aurora Tower Arcade
185 Cebu Doctors University
186 Immaculate Concepcion Academy – East
187 Colegio de Dagupan_Upgrade
188 Lucky Gold Plaza_Upgrade
189 National College of Science & Technology (NCST)
190 Met Live
191 LTO – Davao
192 Gaisano Mall Davao Main JP Laurel
193 Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa
194 Damosa Complex
195 Eastern Visayas State University
196 LTO KALOOKAN D.O.
197 Laguna State Polytechnic University – San Pablo
198 City Health Office of Binan
199 QC D3 Brgy Area 13 – Silangan
200 Puerto Princesa New Airport
201 Divine Word College of Laoag_Upgrade
202 Sacred Heart – Ateneo de Cebu
203 University of Negros Occidental Recoletos
204 East Manila Hospital Managers Corp (Our Lady of Lourdes)
205 University of Southern Phils Foundation
206 Riverside College – Visayas
207 West Visayas State University
208 UP Cebu Upgrade
209 Koronadal National Comprehensive High School
210 Naga College Foundation
211 Robinsons Galleria
212 University of Cebu – Banilad
213 Bacoor National High School
214 San Sebastian College – Recoletos
215 Adamson University
216 Guagua National Colleges
217 Island City Mall
218 John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University
219 City Hall of Malabon
220 PUP Binan
221 St. Dominic College of Asia
222 John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation
223 Angeles University Foundation
224 Municipality of Consolacion
225 University of Bohol – Main Campus
226 Velez College
227 Asian Hospital
228 Emilio Aguinaldo Medical Center
229 Lipa Medix
230 Asenso Pinoy Stores Inc. – Easy Day Shop, 10th Avenue Branch
231 Bacolod Adventist Medical Center
232 Waterworld Iloilo and Centennial Convention Center
233 Riverside Medical Center
234 Super 8 – Baclaran
235 Super 8 – Binangonan
236 Super 8 – La Huerta
237 Super 8 – Malibay
238 Super 8 – Masinag
239 Super 8 – Recto
240 Super 8 – San Juan
241 Super 8 – Shaw
242 Super 8 – Ermin Garcia
243 Super 8 – Karuhatan
244 Super 8 – Molino
245 Super 8 – Santo Rosario
246 Super 8 – Visayas Avenue
247 Super 8 – CAA
248 Agojo Lifestyle Strip
249 Sun Shop Sta. Cruz
250 Smart Store Burke Plaza
251 Smart Store Vigan Hotel Maestro
252 Smart Store Smart Tower
253 University of Cebu Medical Center
254 Smart Tower Lobby and Smart Tower 2F
255 Robinsons Galleria Cebu
256 Robinsons Manila
257 Tarlac Agricultural University
258 Robinsons Magnolia
259 Robinsons Mall Ormoc
260 Robinsons Mall Pavia
261 Bacoor Doctors Medical Center
262 Philippine Orthopedic
263 Davao Doctors Hospital (Admin, Oncology)
264 Doctors Hospital Bacolod
265 Marikina Valley Medical Center
266 West Metro Medical Center
267 Dr. Jesus M. Delgado Hospital
268 Smart Store Binondo
269 De Los Santos Medical Center
270 Super 8 – Taytay
271 Super 8 – Dasmarinas
272 Super 8 – PRITIL
273 Super 8 – SIGNAL VILLAGE
274 Smart Store Laoag City – Conching Bldg
275 Super 8 – PACO
276 NBI Laguna DO, City of Sta. Rosa Laguna
277 St. John Paul II College
278 Ateneo de Iloilo
279 DLTB Turbina
280 Super 8 – BLUMENTRITT
281 Manila Ocean Park
282 Commune Café
283 Crying Tiger
284 Pura Vida
285 Escape Hunt
286 The Marketplace Bacolod
287 Rooftop Food Park
288 Z Hostel
289 Strumm’s
290 Max’s Edsa-Caloocan
291 Sun Shop FAF Building
292 Handle Bar
293 One Providence – Lifestyle District
294 Senior Pollo
295 Matina Town Square
296 Silantro Kapitolyo
297 StrEAT Maginhawa
298 Café Racer
299 Flotsam & Jetsam
300 Gerry’s Grill
301 Planet G
302 The Camp
303 MEZ Food Park
304 Open Kitchen
305 Tipanan Food Park
306 Ciudad Food Avenue
307 CCG 9th Street
308 Max’s Kitchen Inc – Bacoor Habay
309 Krispy Kreme Tomas Morato
310 Max’s Malate
311 Cebu North Bus Terminal
312 NBI Puerto Princesa District Office
313 NBI Western Visayas R.O.,Fort San Pedro Iloilo,City
314 Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall_Upgrade
315 Partas Bus Terminal_Baguio
316 Systems Plus College Foundation-San Fernando
317 City College of Calamba
318 Talisay City College
319 Municipal Hall of Ibaan
320 Ibaan Terminal
321 Filamer Christian University
322 QC D3 Brgy Area 13 – E. Rodriguez
323 QC D3 Brgy Area 14 – Quirino 2-C
324 QC D3 Brgy Area 14 – Duyan Duyan
325 Baliwag Polytechnic College
326 Municipality of Baliwag – Municipal Hall
327 City Government of Tacloban – City Hall
328 Carmona Municipal Hall
329 Santa Rosa Science and Technology High School
330 City Government of Roxas – City Hall
331 Goldenstate College – Main Campus
332 St. Michael’s College Iligan
333 Old City Hall of Tanauan City
334 City Government of Roxas – Dinggoy Roxas Civic Center
335 Centro Escolar University – Manila
336 Goldenstate College – Lagao Campus
337 Salazar Colleges of Science and Institute of Technology
338 Cebu Institute of Medicine
339 Bulacnin National High School
340 Fernando Air Base Integrated National High School
341 Lipa City Science Integrated National High School
342 Lipa City Senior High School
343 General Trias City Hall
344 LTO Compound- ADMC Binan
345 City Government of Mandaue – Mandaue City College
346 City Government of Mandaue – City Cultural & Sports Complex
347 City Government of Mandaue – City Health
348 City Government of Bogo – Amphi Theatre / Plaza
349 City Government of Bogo – Science & Arts Academy (old Cityhall)
350 Pamantasan ng Cabuyao
351 City Hall of Cabuyao
352 Baler Municipal Plaza
353 Chinese General Hospital
354 Super 8 – MARULAS
355 Super 8 – TARLAC
356 Super 8 – TINAJEROS
357 Recto Gym (Sports Complex)
358 Ramiro Community Hospital
359 Meralco Business Center – Rosario
360 Municipality of Panglao – Public Market
361 One Stop Shop Area
362 Municipality of Baliwag – Public Market
363 Laoag City Public Market and Commercial Center
364 City Government of Tacloban – City Hospital
365 City Government of Tacloban – Convention Center
366 Adventist Hospital Cebu
367 Capiz Emmanuel Hospital, Inc.
368 Northwalk 1
369 St. Elizabeth Hospital
370 City Time Square 2
371 Davao Crocodile Park
372 Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Pulilan Campus
373 Bacolod South Bus Terminal
374 College of Technological Sciences – Cebu
375 Puerto Princesa City Library
376 City Government of Roxas – Roxas City Plaza
377 Iloilo Mission Hospital
378 City Government of Tacloban – Public Market
379 Sta. Ana Medical Building (Santanna Building)
380 Adventist Medical Center-Iligan
381 Citimart Shop On
382 Ospital ng Cabuyao
383 Lopues San Sebastian Bacolod
384 Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro Sr. Regional, Training and Teaching Hospital (Mayor Hilarion Ramiro Medical Center)
385 Smart Store Ayala Vertis North
386 Ospital ng Imus
387 Municipality of Panglao – Lourdes National Highschool
388 ST. PETER CHAPELS BAGUIO
389 Session Road
390 Mendoza Park
391 City Government of Tacloban – Rizal Park
392 Max’s Kitchen Inc – Orosa-Ermita
393 Max’s Kitchen Inc – Antipolo
394 Max’s Kitchen Inc – Scout Tuazon
395 Max’s Matalino
396 Max’s Luisita-Tarlac
397 Max’s Mindanao Ave
398 Max’s Pasig Kapitolyo
399 Max’s Taytay
400 Punta de Baler Hotel, Sabang
401 Larsian – Cebu
402 Smart Store SM San Lazaro
403 Smart Store PLDT Zamboanga
404 Smart Store PLDT Davao Ponciano
405 Smart Store PLDT Jones Cebu
406 Smart Store SM Bacolod
407 Smart Store Gaisano Mall Ozamis
408 Sun Shop Gaisano Pagadian
409 Sun Shop Robinsons CDO
410 Sun Shop Robinsons Santiago
411 Sun Shop J. Centre Mall
412 Smart Store Robinsons Santiago
413 Smart Store Robinson Roxas
414 Smart Store Tacloban RSU Building
415 Smart Store Butuan City – PS Arcade
416 Sun Shop Gaisano Kalibo Aklan
417 Smart Store KCC Mall
418 Smart Store Ambassador Arcade
419 Ibaan Peoples Park
420 Carmona Plaza
421 Tanauan City Plaza