Germany sets good example by embracing Huawei 5G

With its decision on Oct 15 to not ban Huawei from building its 5G network, the German government has shown admirable courage and independence under mounting pressure and intimidation from the United States administration.

US Vice-President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have been visiting countries in Europe over the past two years threatening to end the US' partnerships and intelligence sharing with European allies if they allow Huawei into their 5G networks. The US embassy in Belgium and US Mission to the European Union, on their part, have repeatedly sent tweets defaming Huawei in a coordinated smear campaign.

But their purely speculative accusation of Huawei has failed to convince most European leaders. Most have rejected an outright ban of Huawei and Chinese tech companies. European leaders are wary of cybersecurity. That is why the European Union released its 5G network risk assessment on Oct 9, providing cybersecurity recommendation but leaving individual member states to make their own decisions.