US warns of consequences

BRUSSELS: Any Western country allowing Huawei Technologies Co or other Chinese equipment to be used in critical infrastructure projects will face the risk of United States counter-measures, said the US envoy to the European Union.

The warning adds to signs that US President Donald Trump’s administration is pushing for a blanket ban on Chinese companies from new 5G wireless networks, autonomous vehicles and other lucrative contracts in the technology sector throughout Europe, North America and other American allies.

It comes as the EU weighs the introduction of a new sanctions regime against firms or countries involved in cyber-espionage and intellectual property theft.

“There are no compelling reasons that I can see to do business with the Chinese, so long as they have the structure in place to reach in and manipulate or spy on their customers,” said ambassador Gordon Sondland, Trump’s envoy, here, on Thursday.