Huawei says proposed EU ban on its 5G equipment is unlawful, will ‘distort’ the market
- The Financial Times reported that the EU was considering a ban on its members using equipment that might pose a security risk in 5G networks
- Chinese vendors had supplied more than 50 per cent of the 5G equipment in 31 European countries as of the end of 2022
Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei Technologies Co hit back at a potential ban by the European Union (EU) on the company’s 5G products, saying it was unfair and unlawful to politicise technology assessments.
The reported EU plan is “not in the interests of any party”, a Huawei Europe spokesperson said in an emailed statement on Thursday, adding that it “strongly opposes” the politicisation of cybersecurity evaluations, which the company said violated the principles and laws of the EU and its member states.
“Exclusions based on non-technical judgments also pose serious economic and social risks. It would hamper innovation and distort the EU market, driving up the costs of digital services for consumers,” the spokesperson said.
“Throughout our time in Europe, there is no record showing back doors in our equipment.”
The Shenzhen-based company’s complaint came after the Financial Times reported on Wednesday that the EU was considering a mandatory ban on its members using equipment from companies that might pose a security risk in 5G networks, including Huawei.