Huawei has released a statement slamming Australia’s recent decision to ban it from providing 5G technology in the country. It opened the statement by calling the decision politically motivated and not the result of a fact-based decision-making process. The firm also said the move works against Australians and businesses in the country and that it removes their choice to “choose from the best communication technology available.”
Under the ban, local mobile carriers in the country aren’t allowed to purchase 5G technology equipment from Chinese companies, including Huawei. The government of Australia cited “extrajudicial directions from a foreign government” as one of the main reasons for the decision. In response to this, Huawei said:
“Interpreting Chinese law should be left to qualified and impartial legal experts. Huawei has presented the Australian government with an independent, third-party expert analysis of the Chinese laws in question: Chinese law does not grant government the authority to compel telecommunications firms to install backdoors or listening devices, or engage in any behaviour that might compromise the telecommunications equipment of other nations. A mistaken and narrow understanding of Chinese law should not serve as the basis for concerns about Huawei’s business. Huawei has never been asked to engage in intelligence work on behalf of any government.”
Despite the setback, Huawei has confirmed that it will continue to engage with the Australian government in order to resume operations in the country according to Australia’s laws and relevant international conventions. Huawei also stated that it “will take all possible measure to protect [its] legal rights and interests”, so there’s a chance it might go to court over the issue.