Huawei denounces a “discriminatory” qualification after being deemed at risk in Europe

Huawei ruled “discriminatory” being labeled a risky provider by the European Commission, which recommended excluding it from European 5G mobile networks.

Huawei does not appreciate the remarks of the European Commission

“The establishment of restrictions or exclusions based on discriminatory judgments poses significant economic and social risks. It could hinder innovation and distort the European market”reacted Huawei in a statement.

The European Commission this week deemed Chinese telecoms equipment providers Huawei and ZTE a security risk to the EU, and announced that it would no longer underwrite mobile phone services based on these companies. Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton called on the 27 member countries and telecom operators to exclude this equipment from their mobile networks.

“We cannot afford to maintain dependencies that could become weapons against our interests. It would be too great a risk to our common security.”he said at a press conference in Brussels.

“Publicly labeling a company as a high-risk supplier without a legal basis goes against the principles of free trade. This discriminatory qualification (…) should never be applied without a justified procedure and without an adequate hearing”, replied Huawei. The group adds that “Cybersecurity is Huawei’s top priority” Who “remains committed to providing certified and reliable products and services (…) serving millions of Europeans”.

Huawei explains that it has opened a Cybersecurity Transparency Center in Brussels, open to customers and independent testing organizations. “They are asked to carry out impartial security tests and verifications”assures the equipment manufacturer.

Europe is under pressure from the United States to exclude Huawei accused of enabling espionage activities on behalf of China. The United States has already banned the sale of the group’s equipment.