Germany wants to ban components from China’s Huawei and ZTE from its 5G networks

By: News Team

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Germany wants to ban components from China's Huawei and ZTE from its 5G networks

Germany plans to ban telecom operators from using certain components made by Chinese companies Huawei and ZTE (HK:0763) in 5G networks, according to a government source, in a potentially significant move to address security concerns.

The German ban could include components already incorporated into the networks, forcing operators to remove and replace them, Zeit Online reported on Monday, citing sources.

The German government, which is in the midst of a broad process of reassessing its relations with China, its main trading partner, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

“This is a sign that the German government may be taking the national security risks related to China seriously,” said Noah Barkin, editor-in-chief of the China section of the Rhodium Group think tank, which specializes in German-Chinese relations.

“But after years of hesitation, Germany’s 5G network relies heavily on Chinese suppliers. It will take many years to undo this,” Barkin added.

Critics of Huawei and ZTE say their close ties to Beijing’s security services mean their incorporation into the ubiquitous mobile networks of the future could give Chinese spies and even saboteurs access to essential infrastructure.

Huawei, ZTE and the Chinese government reject these claims, claiming they are motivated by a protectionist desire to support non-Chinese competitors.

A Huawei spokesman said it would not comment on speculation and said it had a “very good security record” during its 20 years of supplying technology to Germany and the rest of the world. ZTE did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Although several countries across Europe are still formulating telecoms policies, only the UK and Sweden have so far banned Huawei and ZTE from supplying critical 5G network equipment.

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