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Huawei
ChinaDiplomacy

China ‘firmly opposes’ possible German ban of Huawei and ZTE 5G equipment

  • Chinese embassy says it is ‘puzzled’ following reports that Germany is reviewing telecoms components for national security risks
  • Berlin confirms it is evaluating security concerns but denies targeting specific manufacturers

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According to media reports, Berlin might ban ZTE components that have already been built into Germany's 5G mobile networks. Photo: Bloomberg
Kawala Xie
China said it strongly opposed Germany’s interference in Chinese investments after Berlin ordered a review of Huawei Technologies Co and ZTE Corp components in the country’s 5G networks.
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The Chinese embassy in Berlin expressed dissatisfaction over reports that Germany might ban Huawei and ZTE from its telecommunications networks because of national security concerns. The embassy said it was “puzzled” and described the German government’s decision as “hasty” and “without factual basis”.

“China firmly opposes Germany’s use of the concept of national security and its abuse of state power to interfere in the market in its cooperation with China,” the embassy said in a statement.

“[We] hope that Germany will create a fair, just, open and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies, and do more to promote mutual benefit instead of the opposite.”

The embassy defended the safety of Huawei’s equipment, which is used in around 60 per cent of Germany’s 5G networks.

Huawei equipment is used in around 60 per cent of Germany’s 5G networks. Photo: AP
Huawei equipment is used in around 60 per cent of Germany’s 5G networks. Photo: AP

The German newspaper Zeit first reported the possible ban on Monday, citing government sources that said the ban could include Huawei and ZTE components that had already been built into the networks.

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