Editor's note: David Lee is a consultant and author based in Beijing who focuses on energy, health, international politics and international development. The article reflects the author's opinion and not necessarily the views of CGTN. 

As an international development professional working on the public health front in China, I often feel dazzled by the sheer pace of change, driven by the application of cutting-edge technologies, 5G in particular.

International health colleagues often talk about evidence-based policies and proven interventions, but when they introduce such best practices to China, instead of them being in the comfort zone of an authoritative teacher, have to adapt to the role of a learner too.

To a large extent, it is because public health is being fundamentally changed by 5G and other modern technologies.

China's emerging and consolidating leadership in 5G opens up tremendous possibilities not only in health, but in many other sectors, industries, and virtually all aspects of life.

Actually, you don't need to be a health worker, or a professional in any given field, to feel the heat of the game. Just check out the annual calendar of numerous 5G-related industry events, and even a layman can enjoy some fun hi-tech experiences by coming to any event as a visitor.

At this very moment, the 28th edition of PT Expo China, an event jointly hosted by some of China's leading regulators and industry associations, is taking place in Beijing, as the industry is geared up for Year One of commercial 5G – China issued its first batch of 5G commercial licenses to a slew of leading domestic companies, Huawei included, in June.

Since its inception in 1990, the PT Expo has adapted to industry growth and technological evolution, and this year the PT Expo is to offer a platform for 5G new launches, as 5G players are positioning themselves at the very beginning of the 5G era.

Each major industry fanfare, the PT Expo included, offers an opportunity to understand the industry and market. The 5G magic impacts not one but all sectors. In 5G Year One, thanks to PT Expo and similar high-profile events, professionals and laymen alike are keen to seek answers as to how and where 5G making big impacts in a wide range of vertical markets.

In particular, as 5G commercial application is gaining momentum, it'd be interesting to know where to look for early harvests and where the business case is the strongest for impact and value for money.

Many colleagues and I would be keenly interested in smart medicine and healthcare, the crossroads where 5G as the backbone of future health infrastructure meets with AI and other hi-techs. Many others would be looking for meaningful breakthroughs in smart education, smart home, smart factory, and many more vertical markets. 

In China and many parts of the world, commercial 5G is already starting to make impacts. China is a recognized leader in this 5G drive, Chinese players such as Huawei are leading the game, and 5G standards and equipment driven by China are proving to be market viable. 

It is worth noting that all this is happening despite the American "de-coupling" threat. At the end of day, at the dawn of 5G commercial applications benefiting humanity and fundamentally changing human lives, wise and sensible people in many parts of the world choose progress, development, and growth backed by science and technology, i.e., choose to be on the right side of history. 

While keen to benefit from 5G-driven progress, people around the world need to understand the why of the American "de-coupling" push, to see all the wrong reasons behind it – bigotry, self-interest, and egoism. Aren't these idiosyncratic mentalities on the wrong side of history?

With the above understanding of why it seems people would be puzzled to see how America can pull off the "de-coupling" threat because Americans don't have a credible counterweight to emerging 5G standards. That said, 5G momentum shouldn't and won't be stopped by political threats.

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at opinions@cgtn.com)