According to Mr Clark, earlier, unmanned Shenzhou missions have carried photo-reconnaissance equipment and probes that could spy on military-radar transmissions.

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Perhaps they will succeed together: after all, the two firms have a joint venture, Phogenix, which makes digital photo-finishing equipment.

ECONOMIST: Digital photography

Rounding out the top 10 where: Hangzhou Everfine Photo, a supplier of testing equipment, Shanghai CSG Smart Science, a supplier of power distribution products, Shandong Sinocera Function Material, a maker of ceramic powder for the electronics industry, Beijing Orient National Communication, a software maker, Jiangsu Yunyi, an auto parts maker, Boomsense, a supplier of repeaters, and Staidson Beijing Biopharmaceuticals, a chemicals products maker.

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An alternative approach involves equipment in high-street photo stores that can produce prints from digital cameras on the spot.

ECONOMIST: Digital photography