The Chinese embassy in Germany has opposed Berlin’s “interference” in Chinese markets following reports that Germany is reviewing the use of Huawei and ZTE components in the country’s 5G network.
NPR reported that the German government is reviewing tech suppliers, particularly Chinese companies Huawei and ZTE. There are speculations that Germany may prohibit the supply of components from these companies. Consequently, the Chinese consulate in Germany expressed dissatisfaction with the reports.
The embassy has called the decision of the German government “hasty” with “no factual basis.” It said that it is puzzled and strongly dissatisfied” with the move. The embassy stated, “China firmly opposes Germany’s use of the concept of national security and its abuse of state power to interfere in the market in its cooperation with China.”
The embassy has also expressed hope that Germany will create a fair, just, open and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies and do more to promote mutual benefit instead of the opposite.
The Chinese embassy’s statement comes after the German news outlet Zeit reported that Berlin plans to “ban” components from Huawei and ZTE. Before the German government announced it was reviewing components suppliers for the 5G network, Zeit reported that the Federal government planned to prohibit Chinese mobile operators from installing such components.
According to the newspaper, the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) and the Federal Ministry of Interior has reviewed whether the 5G network system’s components could compromise German security.
There are increasing concerns in the country that critical parts of the German infrastructure could become dependent on foreign products. Officials are worried that suppliers from countries like China, which the Chinese government heavily regulates, could compromise the country’s national security. Huawei, a Chinese telecommunication company, is one of the companies under scrutiny in Germany.
Germany’s move comes after many other countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, have banned using Huawei’s 5G components due to concerns over espionage and the company’s ties to the Chinese government. Huawei has repeatedly denied such allegations.