The UK’s National Security Council has reportedly allowed Huawei to supply “non-core” gear for the country’s intended 5G network. Huawei has been accused by Washington of spying on behalf of the Chinese government, which the company flatly denies.
Chinese envoy to the UK Liu Xiaoming has thrown his weight behind telecom giant Huawei, whose role in the build-up of Britain’s future 5G network sparked a nationwide debate this week.
Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, Liu Xiaoming called on the United Kingdom to resist external pressure (an apparent dig at Washington’s attempts to restrain Huawei’s advance in 5G) and make independent decisions in this regard.
“The last thing the world needs is the introduction of any sort of discriminatory measures towards companies involved in 5G network development”, the ambassador wrote.
Though security risks should be taken seriously, he added, they should not be allowed to “incite fear”.
Xiaoming touted the Chinese company’s “good track record on security” and its contribution to the UK economy over the past years.