US flags Huawei 5G network security concerns to Gulf allies
The United States has raised its concerns with Gulf allies over a possible security risk in using Huawei’s technology for their 5G mobile infrastructure, US officials said on Thursday.
Washington has been warning allies against using the Chinese company’s equipment, which it says presents a security risk, but has so far has largely made public comments to European states.
Huawei has repeatedly denied the US allegations, which were raised last week during a visit by Federal Communications Commission Chair Ajit Pai to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, all of which are using its equipment.
“We shared a ... message about the importance of securing 5G technology and applying risk based security principles,” Robert Strayer, the US State Department’s deputy assistant secretary for cyber, international communications and information policy said on Thursday.
Washington says Huawei could be exploited by Beijing and has threatened to cut off intelligence-sharing with nations that use its equipment. China and Huawei deny the claims.
“We think that when you apply a security based framework, one would end up excluding Huawei from deployments of 5G,” Strayer, who was with Pai on the visit to the region, told reporters in a telephone briefing.
Bahrain’s Telecommunications Minister Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed told Reuters in March that Huawei had met the Gulf state’s standards and that it had no concerns.
Saudi and UAE officials have not commented on the US-Huawei issue. A source familiar with the matter has told Reuters that the Emiratis believe they can manage the risk. (RTRS)