Huawei has urged the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) not to proceed with formally designating the company as a national security risk.
The United States has repeatedly voiced concerns about Huawei’s ties to the Chinese government, allegations the company continues to deny. Over the years, U.S. policy has discouraged American carriers from using Huawei equipment, but carriers have not faced an explicit penalty until the FCC’s recent action.
In November, the FCC voted 5-0 to initially designate both Huawei and ZTE as national security threats. If finalized, that designation would bar any carrier using equipment from those vendors from receiving federal subsidies, including funds intended to help rural providers upgrade or replace network gear. One of the at-risk funding sources is an $8.5 billion program aimed at improving coverage and connectivity in underserved areas.
Huawei characterized the FCC’s decision as “unlawful and misguided.” In a nearly 200-page filing with the commission, the company described the move as part of “a campaign by certain government officials, including members of Congress, to single out Huawei for burdensome and stigmatizing restrictions, put it out of business in the United States, and impugn its reputation here and around the world.”
Globally, governments continue to make their own determinations about Huawei’s role in national telecom networks. Among the Five Eyes partners, Australia and New Zealand have implemented bans on Huawei equipment. The United Kingdom has permitted Huawei to play a limited role in non-critical parts of its 5G networks, while Canada has not reached a final decision.
Outside the UK, much of Europe remains undecided. Reports indicate German Chancellor Angela Merkel has faced significant pushback from members of her government over proposals to permit Huawei equipment. According to reporting, Merkel has struggled to secure a compromise with lawmakers who favor a ban.
In a speech in Berlin, Merkel urged caution against dividing the world into opposing blocs: “I call on us not to slip into a new form of bipolarity,” she said. “Rather, we must try, with the results and experiences we have around multilateralism – to include a country like China and at least treat it on the same terms.”
Critics argue Merkel’s stance reflects an outdated expectation that economic engagement with China would lead to political liberalization, a view they say does not match recent developments.
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