Andrew Schmitt, publisher of the Nyquist Condition blog has recently posted parts 3 and 4 of his series of articles on FTTH in China. Part 3 deals extensively on the choice between GPON and GEPON technologies for Chinese carriers. Based on component availability, cost, maturity, and flexibility it is Andrew’s opinion that GEPON will prevail in China. At the end of part 3 and in part 4 of the series, information is presented to Chinese efforts to extend the IEEE 803.3ah GEPON standard to a new flavor called "CPON". Apparently, a closed door meeting was held recently in China where US and Chinese chip vendors and Chinese equipment companies discussed this extension to the standard.

"Note the total absence of any Western or Japanese equipment suppliers. China Telecom is clearly motivated to source the supply of FTTH equipment domestically."

The proposed modifications are then discussed in the post. This should be an interesting thread to follow.