UK approval of Huawei equipment could sway more European states against US, analysts say

UK approval of Huawei Technologies equipment for the country's 5G mobile networks would be a significant step for the Chinese company in winning over other European countries, which in recent months have closely scrutinised its technology over national security concerns raised by the US, according to analysts.

The UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has determined that it is possible to “limit the risks from using Huawei” in 5G networks, according to a Financial Times report on Monday that cited anonymous sources. The report comes amid US pressure on its allies to exclude Huawei as a supplier for upcoming 5G mobile networks based on national security concerns.

If the UK publicly endorses Huawei and does not ban the use of the company’s 5G equipment, it would be at odds with other members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, which also comprises the US, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

“It highlights the competing economic and security imperatives at play when it comes to deciding whether to allow Chinese tech companies to dominate key sectors,” said Adam Ni, a China researcher at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. “UK’s position is a setback for US efforts to isolate Huawei internationally.”

A NCSC spokesman said in an emailed statement that it was “committed to the security of UK networks” and that it had a “unique oversight and understanding of Huawei engineering and cybersecurity”.