Importantly, determining whether Huawei’s communications equipment has espionage capabilities or poses a threat to national communications networks is beyond the scope of a layman. The situation is further complicated by the sealed nature of the communications equipment and the lack of conclusive evidence to support the spying charges.
08:55
Huawei founder talks US sanctions, 5G leadership and building trust in Europe
Huawei founder talks US sanctions, 5G leadership and building trust in Europe
The United States’ concerns about the safety and reliability of Huawei’s technology equipment are understandable. However, the White House has not provided conclusive evidence to support its claims that Huawei serves as a conduit for the Chinese Communist Party to infiltrate Western intelligence agencies. And the company’s campaign against Huawei is set against the backdrop of a massive China-US competition focused on 5G advances.
01:44
China built six times as many 5G towers in three months as the US installed in two years
China built six times as many 5G towers in three months as the US installed in two years
The danger for the United States is that if Huawei, which has non-Western and undemocratic origins, were to dominate the information and communications sector, the United States’ position as the power shaping the world’s communications system would be at risk.
27:21
Biden’s China high-tech policy goals: 10-year handicap
Biden’s China high-tech policy goals: 10-year handicap
Huawei’s involvement in the U.S.-China conflict reflects the larger issues we face in an increasingly interconnected and politically sensitive world. The impact of governments grappling with the complex interplay of economic, technological, and security factors will ripple through businesses and global supply networks.
As technology competition between the US and China intensifies, it is important to avoid portraying Huawei as an adversary. Rather, the company should be seen as a multifaceted company caught in an out-of-control political barrage.
Huawei’s chip victory proves the utter foolishness of the US tech war against China
Huawei’s chip victory proves the utter foolishness of the US tech war against China
A comprehensive assessment of Huawei’s role in global technology must recognize both U.S. concerns and Huawei’s perspective, and consider the complexity and global impact of the conflict. Mitigating risks in a changing technological landscape requires international technology and cybersecurity regulations that enable collaboration towards standards and best practices.
To ensure that technology benefits everyone, governments and private companies must work together to foster inclusive innovation. A gentle approach to Huawei’s predicament requires a balance between national security and global innovation. A global effort is needed to set regulations, foster cooperation, and steer technology toward development rather than conflict, with a focus on inclusive and responsible global innovation.
Rukiya Anwar, a PhD in media and communication studies from Pakistan, is a researcher and socio-political analyst.