Exhibit 4.43
 Framework Agreement for Support Services
 
 between
 China Network Communications Group Corporation
 and
 China Unicom Corporation Limited
  Party A:
    
    China Network Communications Group Corporation(hereinafter referred to as Netcom Group)Registered Address:
    
    No. 156, Fu Xing Men Nei Street, Xicheng District, BeijingLegal Representative:
    
    Zhang ChunjiangParty B:
    
    China Unicom Corporation Limited(hereinafter referred to as CUCL)Registered Address:
    
    Level 12, Tower A, Henderson Center, No. 18, Jian Guo Men Nei
Avenue, BeijingLegal Representative:
    
    Chang Xiaobing
 Whereas:
 (1)
    
    Netcom Group is a state owned enterprise duly incorporated and validly existing under the
laws of the PRC;(2)
    
    CUCL is a foreign funded enterprise duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of
PRC, whose equity is 100% held by China United Telecommunications Corporation Limited (the
Unicom Red-chip Company, a company duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of
the Hong Kong Special Administration Region and dually listed on the Hong Kong Stock
Exchange). Approved by the former Ministry of Information Industry (MII) of the PRC, CUCL is
mainly engaged in nationwide provision of international and domestic long-distance
communications services (excluding international telecommunications facilities services);
Internet services and IP Telephony services; as well as mobile communications services in 31
provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, including Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai,
Liaoning, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Hubei, Anhui, Sichuan,
Guizhou, Xinjiang, Chongqing, Shaanxi, Guangxi, Henan, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Jiangxi, Shanxi,
Inner Mongolia, Hunan, Hainan, Yunnan, Ningxia, Gansu, Qinghai and Tibet;(3)
    
    On May 24, 2008, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the National
Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Finance jointly issued the Notice on
Deepening the Reform of Chinas Telecommunications System, which is seen as the guidepost for
the Chinese government to deepen the reform of its telecommunications system by endorsing the
formation of
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three leading competitive carriers with nationwide network resources, similar size and
strength and the capacity of full service operation. In the above notice, China Telecom is
encouraged to buy China Unicoms CDMA network and China Unicom is encouraged to merge with
China Netcom. As a response to the call for deepening the reform in regard to
telecommunications restructuring, the Unicom Red-chip Company is to merge with Netcoms
red-chip counterpart via an agreement (the Merger Transaction). Following the merger, the
Netcom Red-chip Company will withdraw from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the New York
Stock Exchange to become a wholly owned subsidiary of the Unicom Red-chip Company;(4)
    
    Party B is in need of the support services provided by Netcom Group in the operations of its
telecommunications business.On the basis of equality and reasonableness and through friendly consultations, Party A and
Party B reach the following framework agreements on the matters with respect to the provision
of support services by Party A (including subsidiaries and branches of Party A and other
entities controlled by Party A and excluding Netcom Red Chip, subsidiaries and branches of
Netcom Red Chip, and other entities controlled by Netcom Red Chip, the same below) to Party B
(including subsidiaries and branches of Party B and other entities controlled by Party B, the
same below).1.
    
    Basic Principles
 1.1
    
    With respect to the support services provided by Party A for Party B pursuant to
this Framework Agreement, Party A has the right to charge reasonable service fees
pursuant to this Framework Agreement and Party B has the obligation to make such
payments.1.2
    
    The terms and conditions for the provision of support services under this
Framework Agreement by Party A shall be no worse than the terms and conditions offered
by Party A for any third party for the provision of identical or similar services.1.3
    
    In the event that Party A fails to perform all or part of its obligations to
provide the support services under this Framework Agreement due to any reasons other
than its own fault, Party A shall promptly inform Party B in writing and make the utmost
efforts to assist Party B in obtaining identical or similar services from other
channels.1.4
    
    The support services provided by Party A for Party B shall comply with the
purposes agreed by the Parties and related standards of the State.1.5
    
    In the event that one party suffers loss as a result of the violation against the
provisions of this Framework Agreement by the other party, the breaching party shall
undertake timely and full liability to pay compensation for the breach of contract.1.6
    
    When one party performs the obligations under this Framework Agreement, the other
party shall provide reasonable and necessary assistance.
 2.
    
    Basic Contents of Support ServicesThe compressive services provided by Party A under this Framework Agreement include:dining services, equipment leasing services (excluding the facilities/equipment covered in
this Framework Agreement for Telecommunications Facilities Leasing), motor vehicles services,
medical and healthcare services, labour services, security services, hotel services,
conference services, flower and gardening services (landscaping), decoration services,
commodity sales services, basic construction agency services, equipment maintenance services,
market development services, technical support services, research and development services,
hospitality services, parking services, employee training services, warehousing services
(such as warehousing telecommunications-related equipment, including spare parts and
circuits), advertising (such as the production and publication of Party Bs advertisements on
Party As media) and publicity/printing services, and property management services.
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3.
    
    Pricing Principles
 3.1
    
    The pricing and/or charging standards for the support services under this
Framework Agreement shall follow the principles and procedures stipulated in this
clause. Where the Government fixes a price for such a service, the price fixed by the
Government shall be followed. Where the Government recommends (or sets a guidance price)
a price for such a service, the price shall be determined with the reference to the
price recommended by the Government. Where there is neither a government-fixed price nor
a government-recommended price but there is a market-based price for such a service, the
price shall be determined with reference to the market-based price. Where there is
neither a government-fixed price nor a government-recommended price, nor the
market-based price, the price shall be determined by the Parties through negotiations.
The negotiated price shall be determined on a reasonable cost plus reasonable profit
basis. The reasonable cost shall be the cost agreed by the Parties through negotiations.The government-fixed price referred in this clause is the price fixed by the price
administration authorities of the Government or other related agencies within their
pricing purview and scope in accordance with the provisions of the Price Law of the
PRC.The government-recommended price (or government-guidance price) referred in this
clause is a basic price and floating ranges set by the price administration
authorities of the Government or other related agencies within their pricing purview
and scope in accordance with the provisions of the Price Law of the PRC. The
enterprises could, within the limits of the guidance, make their own decisions on
prices.The market-based price referred in this clause is the price set by the enterprises
with consideration to the competition in the market. The market-based price shall be
determined in the follow procedures: (1) the price charged by the independent third
party for providing such a service at the same place or in the neighbouring areas
under normal market conditions; or (2) the price charged by the independent third
party for providing such a service in the territory of China under normal market
conditions;3.2
    
    The specific amount of service fees under this Framework Agreement shall be
calculated in accordance with the accounting standards of the PRC (if applicable) from
time to time.3.3
    
    Party A and Party B shall audit the pricing standards for the next financial year
for every service and facility provided under this Framework Agreement before December
31 of the year (if necessary).3.4
    
    It is expected that Party A and Party B shall conclude specific implementation
agreements for related services from time to time as necessary. This specific
implementation agreements shall identify the specific services required by Party B and
contain provisions in relation to the binding principles, standards, terms and
conditions of this Framework Agreement.
 4.
    
    Payment of Service Fees
 4.1
    
    Party B shall pay service fees for related services it obtains from Party A or
Party As consignee in accordance with the pricing and charging standards stipulated in
this Framework Agreement, the supplementary agreements to this Framework Agreement (if
any) and the specific implementation agreement.4.2
    
    In case that Party B fails to pay service fees for related services on time in
accordance with this Framework Agreement, the supplementary agreements to this Framework
Agreement (if any) and the specific implementation agreements, Party B shall pay a late
fee of 0.05% of the amount of the outstanding amount per day (calendar day, the same
below) as of the day when the payment is overdue. When the overdue days exceed 60
(sixty) days, Party A may inform Party B in writing of terminating related services. If
Party B fails to make payment for related services 30 (thirty) days after it receives
the notice, Party A may declare the termination of related services. When such services
are terminated or suspended, it shall not
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affect the rights and obligations of both Party A and Party B arising out of this
Framework Agreement.
 5.
    
    Rights and Obligations of the Parties
 5.1
    
    Rights and Obligations of Party B
 5.1.1
    
    Rights of Party B
 (1)
    
    Party B has the right to obtain services from
Party A pursuant to the provisions of this Framework Agreement;(2)
    
    With respect to the connected transactions under
this Framework Agreement, the auditor of Unicom Red-chip Company has the
right to examine the accounting records of Party A and Party As
connected parties.
 5.1.2
    
    Obligations of Party B
 (1)
    
    Party B shall ensure that its subsidiaries,
branches and other controlled entities will sign specific implementation
agreement with Party A pursuant to this Framework Agreement and the
supplementary agreements to this Framework Agreement (if any) and/or
urge its subsidiaries, branches and other controlled entities to do so;(2)
    
    Party B is obliged to coordinate the matters in
relation to the specific implementation agreement;(3)
    
    Party B is obliged to pay related service fees
pursuant to the provisions of this Framework Agreement and the specific
implementation agreements;(4)
    
    Party B pledges to compensate for any loss caused
upon Party A or the other party of the specific implementation agreement
by its violation against any of the provisions of this Framework
Agreement or the specific implementation agreement.
 5.2
    
    Rights and Obligations of Party A
 5.2.1
    
    Rights of Party A
 (1)
    
    Party A has the right to obtain service fees from
Party B pursuant to the provisions of this Framework Agreement;(2)
    
    Party A has the right to provide the same type of
services to the third party on the conditions of guaranteeing the
offering of the services stipulated in this Framework Agreement to Party
B.
 5.2.2
    
    Obligations of Party A
 (1)
    
    Party A shall ensure that its subsidiaries,
branches and other controlled entities will sign specific implementation
agreement with Party B pursuant to this Framework Agreement, the
supplementary agreements to this Framework Agreement (if any) and/or
urge its subsidiaries, branches and other controlled entities to do so;(2)
    
    Party A is obligated to provide services of
outstanding quality for Party B and supervise its subsidiaries, branches
and other controlled entities to provide services of outstanding quality
for Party B;(3)
    
    Party A is obliged to coordinate the matters in
relation to the specific implementation agreement;
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(4)
    
    Party A pledges to compensate for any loss caused
upon Party B or the other party of the specific implementation agreement
by its violation against any of the provisions of this Framework
Agreement or the specific implementation agreement.
 5.3
    
    Party A and Party B hereby confirm that they have the obligation to further take
other necessary actions and measures for the fulfilment of the purposes and agreed
contents of this Framework Agreement and that under the conditions that Party B is a
subsidiary of Unicom Red-chip Company, this Framework Agreement is in compliance with
the rules governing connected transactions in the Listing Rules of Hong Kong Stock
Exchange.
 6.
    
    Priorities
 6.1
    
    For the same service, Party B shall grant preference to Party A if terms and
conditions offered by the third party are no better than those offered by Party A.6.2
    
    Party A pledges that the conditions offered by Party A for the same or similar
services under this Framework Agreement to the third party will not be better than the
terms offered to Party B.6.3
    
    Party A has the right to provide the same type of services to third parties on
the condition of not affecting the offering of the services pursuant to this Framework
Agreement to Party B.
 7.
    
    Representations, Warranties and CommitmentsEach party of this Framework Agreement makes the following representations, warranties and
commitments to the other party:
 7.1
    
    Each party is independent legal person duly established and existing under the
laws of China and it has full power and authorization (including but not limited to
obtaining the approval, agreement or license from related government authorities) to
make and execute this Framework Agreement;7.2
    
    No provision in this Framework Agreement shall constitute a violation against the
Articles of Association, documents of such nature or the laws and regulations of the
PRC;7.3
    
    Each party shall make the utmost efforts to adopt or urge others to adopt any
necessary, appropriate or possible actions in accordance with the laws and regulations
of China and this Framework Agreement.
 8.
    
    EffectivenessThis Framework Agreement will take effect on the next day following the final implementation
of the Merger Transaction.9.
    
    Force Majeure
 9.1
    
    In the event that either party of this Framework Agreement fails to perform part
or all of the obligations stipulated in this Framework Agreement owing to a Force
Majeure event, the prevented party shall be exempted from the breach of contract
liabilities. But the prevented party shall inform the other party and provide
authoritative proof regarding the Force Majeure event in writing within 15 (fifteen)
days when the Force Majeure event happens and make the utmost efforts to minimize the
loss caused by the Force Majeure event. Within a reasonable period time after the
influence of the Force Majeure event is eliminated, the prevented party shall continue
to execute this Framework Agreement.9.2
    
    Force majeure in this Framework Agreement means all objective situations that are
unforeseeable, unavoidable and that cannot be overcome.
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10.
    
    ConfidentialityWithout the written agreement of the other party, one party shall not make public
announcement regarding the materials and information in relation to the business of the other
party or the matters of this Framework Agreement or provide or disclose such materials and
information for or to the third party, except as otherwise required by the laws of China,
government authorities, or securities regulatory authorities or for the purpose of
maintaining Unicom Red-chip Company.11.
    
    Transfer of Rights and ObligationsWithout the written consent of the other party, neither party shall transfer any rights and
obligations under this Framework Agreement.12.
    
    Non-WaiverUnless otherwise stipulated by the laws, failure or delay on the part of any party to
exercise any right, power or privilege under this Framework Agreement shall not operate as
the waiver of such right, power or privilege thereof and the exercise of such right, power or
privilege in part by one party shall not affect the exercise of such right, power or
privilege in the future.13.
    
    Governing LawsThis Framework Agreement is governed by PRC laws and shall be interpreted and implemented in
accordance with PRC laws.14.
    
    NotificationNotifications required to be given by one party pursuant to this Framework Agreement shall be
made in writing and may be delivered personally, by facsimile transmission or by courier
service. Notices given by personal delivery shall be deemed effectively given on the date of
personal delivery. Notices sent by facsimile transmission shall be deemed effectively given
at the time as indicated by the printer. Notices sent by courier service shall be deemed
effectively given on the third working day (to be extended to the next day in case of
statutory holidays) after they are posted. The notice shall come into effect since the date
of delivery.15.
    
    Dispute SettlementAny dispute over the effect, interpretation or exercise of this Framework Agreement shall be
first resolved through friendly consultations by both parties. In the event that the dispute
is not resolved within 30 (thirty) days since the start of the dispute, either party can
submit the dispute case to the local peoples court that have jurisdiction over the case for
legal proceedings.16.
    
    Miscellaneous
 16.1
    
    Unicom Red-chip Company, for the purpose of complying with or satisfying the
regulatory requirements on connected transactions, may amend and supplement this
Framework Agreement after the friendly consultations.16.2
    
    In case of any discrepancy between this Framework Agreement and the agreements
made by the Parties prior to the signing of this Framework Agreement, this Framework
Agreement shall prevail after being signed by the Parties.16.3
    
    This Framework Agreement is severable. If any provision of this Framework
Agreement is held illegal, invalid or unenforceable, the effect and exercise of other
provisions of this Framework Agreement shall not be affected.16.4
    
    This Framework Agreement is made in 4 (four) original copies, with each party
holding two copies. All the copies are equally binding.
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Page for Signatures:
 China Network Communications Group Corporation (seal)
  China Unicom Corporation Limited (seal)
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