Germany has announced plans to gradually remove components made by Chinese tech giants Huawei and ZTE from its 5G wireless network over the next five years. This decision, made in collaboration with major mobile network operators like Vodafone, Deutsche Telekom, and Telefonica, aims to enhance cybersecurity and reduce security risks associated with foreign dependencies.
The removal process will begin with the elimination of Huawei and ZTE components from the 5G 'core networks' by the end of 2026. Subsequently, these components must be completely purged from the 'access and transport networks' by the end of 2029, which include the physical infrastructure of the 5G network.
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized the importance of safeguarding the country's critical infrastructure and communication systems from potential threats of sabotage and espionage. The government highlighted the need for secure and resilient telecommunications infrastructure, stressing the significance of relying on trustworthy manufacturers to mitigate vulnerabilities.
In response, Huawei stated that there is no specific evidence of cybersecurity risks associated with its technology and expressed willingness to collaborate with customers and partners to enhance cybersecurity measures. However, the Chinese embassy in Germany expressed concerns over the decision, stating that it could harm mutual trust and impact future cooperation between China and Europe.
This move by Germany comes after other countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan, restricted Huawei's involvement in their 5G networks due to espionage concerns. The US had previously placed Huawei on a trade restriction list, further complicating the company's operations.
Despite these developments, Huawei reported that Europe, the Middle East, and Africa accounted for a significant portion of its revenue last year, indicating the importance of these regions for the company's business.
Germany's decision to phase out Huawei and ZTE components from its 5G network reflects a broader global trend of countries reevaluating their reliance on Chinese tech companies for critical infrastructure, citing cybersecurity and national security considerations.
