Germany has decided to remove components from China’s Huawei and ZTE from its 5G wireless network over the next five years, a move that could further strain its relationship with China.
Mobile operators including Vodafone, Deutsche Telekom, and Telefonica are set to eliminate Huawei and ZTE equipment from their 5G “core networks” by the end of 2026. By 2029, these components will also be removed from “access and transport networks,” which include physical elements like transmission lines and towers.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized that this decision is aimed at safeguarding Germany’s critical infrastructure and reducing security risks. “We must reduce security risks and avoid one-sided dependencies,” Faeser stated.
The German government highlighted the need for “secure and resilient telecommunications infrastructure” to prevent potential sabotage and espionage.
Huawei responded by denying any specific evidence of cybersecurity risks associated with its technology and reiterated its commitment to cooperating with customers and enhancing cybersecurity.
The Chinese embassy in Germany condemned the decision, claiming it damages mutual trust and could impact future cooperation between China and Europe. The embassy vowed to take necessary measures to protect Chinese companies’ interests.
Germany’s move comes amidst increasing tensions with China, its largest trading partner. Recent actions include blocking a sale of a Volkswagen subsidiary to a Chinese state-owned enterprise and heightened trade disputes with the EU, including new tariffs on Chinese electric cars.
Germany has been cautious in addressing Huawei’s role in its 5G network, following similar bans by the US, UK, Australia, and Japan due to concerns over potential espionage. The US also imposed trade restrictions on Huawei in 2019, further tightening controls earlier this year.
Huawei’s annual report revealed that Europe, the Middle East, and Africa contributed 21% to its revenue last year.
