Germany has announced plans to phase out equipment from Chinese telecom giants Huawei and ZTE in its 5G networks, citing national security concerns, according to AFP news agency. This move reflects a growing trend in Europe and the US to distance themselves from these Chinese companies.
The German interior ministry stated that “core” 5G networks will no longer use Huawei and ZTE components by the end of 2026.In 5G access and transmission infrastructure, the companies’ systems must be replaced by the end of 2029. Agreements have reportedly been reached with German network operators Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and Telefonica regarding the ban.
What is the rationale for the ban
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized the need to protect “critical infrastructure” and communication channels for citizens, businesses, and the government. Germany aims to reduce reliance on a single supplier and mitigate potential cyberattacks that could be “existential threats.” Germany is seeking to “de-risk” its economy by reducing dependence on China.
This decision by Germany is widely seen to signify a significant shift in its approach to Chinese technology and aligns with broader European and US concerns regarding national security. The European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, described Huawei and ZTE as a risk to the bloc and called on EU member states to exclude the companies’ equipment from their mobile networks in 2023. The UK and Sweden have already implemented similar bans on Huawei in their 5G networks. The US has also pressured allies to exclude these companies due to spying concerns.
What Huawei said on the ban
Huawei maintains its technology is “secure and reliable,” while the Chinese embassy in Berlin called the decision “groundless.” The ban reflects a broader strain in China-Germany relations, particularly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Impact of Russia-Ukraine war
China and Germany are said to have long had close ties, with Germany’s crucial manufacturers — from auto companies to machine-tool makers — exporting vast quantities of products to the world’s number two economy. However, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent energy crisis triggered led to Berlin seeking to “de-risk” by cutting its reliance on China.
There have been growing signs of the government’s new tougher approach. Earlier this month, Berlin blocked the sale of a gas turbine unit belonging to a subsidiary of the Volkswagen group to a Chinese investor after media reports suggested it had close links to the Chinese armaments industry.
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