Leading Chinese telecommunications equipment makers, Huawei Technologies and ZTE, say they are currently in discussions concerning sponsorship of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

The two rivals, well known in China but less so overseas, see the games as a chance to extend their profiles in the international market.

There are several different levels of Olympic sponsorship, and the most prized being the Olympic Partner Program. These sponsors get exclusive worldwide marketing rights, including permission to use Olympic symbols on their products.

Companies can also become sponsors by supplying equipment, although their marketing rights are more limited.

Huawei says it is considering supplying equipment.

ZTE, which has been more cautious in expanding overseas than Huawei, provided 16 stadiums at the Athens Games with broadband internet access through OTE, the Greek telecoms operator.

It sent executives to Athens to observe how companies such as Visa and Coca-Cola used the event to promote their brands.

(CRI.com September 1, 2004)