UK to cut Huawei’s involvement in 5G network:
reports
Boris Johnson wants to reduce Chinese tech giant’s
involvement in building network to zero by 2023, according to British media.
By MELISSA
HEIKKILÄ 5/23/20, 3:33 PM CET Updated 5/23/20, 7:08 PM CET
British
Prime Minister Boris Johnson plans to reduce the role of Huawei in the U.K.'s
5G network in the wake of the coronavirus crisis, according to reports in the
Guardian and the Telegraph.
Johnson has
instructed officials to draft plans that would reduce Huawei's involvement in
building the U.K.'s 5G phone network to zero by 2023, the Telegraph reported.
The move
marks a departure from the U.K. government's previous position. In January,
Johnson said he would allow the Chinese tech giant to build up to 35 percent of
its 5G phone network but block access to "sensitive core" parts of
the network.
The push
for new plans comes amid growing backlash among Conservative MPs against
Chinese investment and a lack of transparency around Beijing's handling of the
coronavirus pandemic, according to the Telegraph.
The paper
also reported Johnson hopes to ramp up trade talks with the United States,
which has been one of the most vocal critics of the U.K.'s decision to allow
Huawei into its market, citing security concerns.
The reports
"simply don't make sense," Huawei Vice President Victor Zhang said in
a statement. "As a private company, 100% owned by employees, which has
operated in the UK for 20 years, our priority has been to help mobile and
broadband companies keep Britain connected, which in this current health crisis
has been more vital than ever. This is our proven track-record.”
Downing
Street did not immediately respond to POLITICO's request for comment.
This
article has been updated.
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