May restricts Huawei from providing key parts of UK 5G network but rejects full ban
May has given Huawei permission to collaborate in the development of the UK’s 5G network despite security risk warnings.
According to The Telegraph, after a meeting of ministers on the National Security Council, the Prime Minister decided to ban the Chinese telecom from providing core parts for the network.
But Huawei will be allowed to supply some “non core” technology to UK phone companies, insiders said on Tuesday.
There are still government officials who believe that a total ban on the supplier would be the best decision.
Other countries have taken a tougher stance, such as the US, which banned Chinese companies from working on critical telecoms infrastructure.
GCQQ head Jeremy Fleming, who had warned against cyber threats from China and Russia in the past, is said to have given a speech in Glasgow, Scotland on Tuesday to members of the intelligence agencies of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the US warning against such threats.
Huawei denies any involvement with its country’s government and claims the reach of the PRC does not extend beyond China’s borders. However, there is ample evidence that China, alongside Russia and Iran, have spent years reportedly attacking foreign military and corporate infrastructure in order to steal trade secrets and to spy on competing country’s national and business-related efforts.
The news comes as chancellor Philip Hammond, prepares to travel to China to promote Britain’s participation in Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative.