Tensions Escalate Between China and Germany Over Huawei

Bloomberg is reporting that a spokesman for German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said that security concerns will be the deciding factor impacting what role Huawei will play in the country’s 5G rollout.

China made headlines when it threatened Germany over a possible ban on Huawei. Chancellor Merkel has previously said no single vendor would be banned, emphasizing the need to have a security protocol that all vendors must meet. In spite of that, pressure has mounted within her government to take a harder stance on Huawei.

No doubt in an effort to stave off any potential ban, China’s ambassador to Germany, Wu Ken, made it clear there would be repercussions should the German government go that route, according to Bloomberg, saying:

“If Germany were to take a decision that leads to Huawei’s exclusion from the German market, there will be consequences. The Chinese government will not stand idly by.”

In response, Chancellor Merkel’s chief spokesman, Steffen Seibert said: ““Our position on the security issue with respect to the expansion of the 5G network is driven by the need for security – not industry considerations.”

Given that China is Germany’s largest trading partner, it will be interesting to see where the two countries go from here.