BEIJING -- China is leading the world in building infrastructure of 5G networks, and especially utilizing the technology in factories, coal mines, shipyards and warehouses, said an article published by The Wall Street Journal on Sunday.

"The country is widely seen as being out front in the deployment of localized, high-powered 5G networks in sprawling industrial sites, which aim to use the technology to help automate labor-intensive or dangerous industrial processes, and hopefully boost productivity," said the article.

"These sites include 5G coal mines with remote-operated drilling machinery, so-called smart factories that automate production and quality control, and seaports with internet-connected cameras that process and tally freight containers," it added.

These 5G networks are dedicated to specific enterprise sites with tailor-made hardware and software, said the article, adding they can be adjusted to specific requirements and handle more complex jobs and processes.