Nortel Networks announced recently that it will invest $200 million over three years to further its research and development in China, at the same time doubling the number of its R&D staff by the end of 2003.

"China is extremely important to Nortel Networks, both as a market and as a source for technology talent," said Frank Dunn, Nortel CEO.

Nortel is planning to construct a 592,000-square-foot campus in Beijing's Chao Yang district, having already signed an agreement with the local government ­ the first phase is expected to be completed by the end of 2004 ­ to augment Nortel's existing R&D activity in Beijing and Guangzhou, focusing on developing Internet Protocol-based voice and multimedia services, 3G wireless services, next-generation networking, and other emerging technology products. The technology developed in China will be sold globally.