Huawei News: How Have Countries Decided On Blocking The Company's 5G Technology?

The United States has persuaded countries to not use Chinese telecom giant Huawei's 5G technology due to security risks and spying concerns. According to its official website, Huawei operates in more than 170 countries and serves more than 3 billion people.

Here's a look at how various countries stand on Huawei.

Huawei In Europe

The United Kingdom postponed the decision on Huawei's involvement in its 5G network until after its general election on Dec. 12. Reports in October suggested that the U.K. would allow Huawei onto its "non-contentious" parts of its 5G networks, a move that may put a diplomatic rift between Downing Street and the White House.

Germany and Norway decided against prohibiting Huawei from its 5G networks. Hungary will be working closely with Huawei on its 5G rollout, as China and Hungary have a strong diplomatic relationship.

France had adopted a law in July to thoroughly vet its 5G network. The French government believes it can deal with security risks from Huawei without enacting a general ban. At about the same time, Monaco became the first country in Europe to roll out a 5G network based off Huawei technology.

Poland has taken a firm stance on 5G, signing an agreement with the U.S. in early September banning Chinese companies from 5G in the country.

Huawei In Asia

In April, South Korea launched the first nationwide 5G network using Huawei technology, defying U.S. warnings from November 2018.

In December, Japan decided to exclude Huawei from its 5G rollout, banning not only Huawei but also ZTE, another major Chinese telecommunications firm.

Huawei became a hardware supplier for Malaysia's 5G rollout in early October. The company had made a deal with Malaysian telecommunications firm Maxis to help build the network.

India is still deciding on whether to ban Huawei. On a trip to Delhi in October, U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said that he hopes India "does not inadvertently subject itself to untoward security risk" by adopting Huawei technology.

Other Countries

The Australian government has officially banned Huawei from its 5G networks, with Huawei warning the country that it would become "left behind" on 5G technology.

Canada is still trying to decide whether to ban Huawei from its 5G networks. A poll published by the University of British Columbia this week revealed that half of the Canadian population does not want Huawei to play a role in the country's 5G rollout.