GeraldJust when it seems that a reconciliation between the US and China’s telecom giant Huawei Technologies might be in the works, two new bombshells have surfaced involving Huawei’s allegedly unlawful activities in both North Korea and the Czech Republic.
The two new claims were made separately by the US and the Czech media, casting further doubt on the fate of the Chinese telecom company’s presence in the US and the European Union (EU), as the Western countries consider banning Huawei from their 5G Wireless Networks.
On July 22, The Washington Post had reported, based on documents and sources it had obtained from former Huawei employees and people familiar with the arrangement, that Huawei had “secretly helped the North Korean government build and maintain the country’s commercial wireless network”.
Meanwhile, the Czech media has made claims that China’s law could force Huawei to hand over personal data that it has collected from its users overseas, to the Chinese state.
According to The Washington Post, Huawei had partnered with Panda International Information Technology, a Chinese state-owned firm, on a series of projects spanning at least the last eight years. This raises questions on whether Huawei used American technology to help furnish North Korean’s equipment. If they have, Huawei would have violated US export controls to help a country that is currently under extensive international sanctions, due to its nuclear weapons plans and human rights abuses.
In response to the accusations made against it, Huawei denies having violated any rules made by the US or the EU. Huawei responded to The Washington Post’s claims by stating that it “has no business presence” in North Korea. However, Huawei’s spokesman Joe Kelly did not respond when asked about whether Huawei has conducted businesses there in the past, be it directly or indirectly.
While with regards to the Czech media network’s claims, Huawei said that it works in compliance with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) rules, which are designed to protect the privacy of EU citizens.
When asked about the allegations against Huawei in The Washington Post, Trump told reporters that they will have to do more investigation into the reports.
“Our relationship with North Korea has been very good,” said Trump.
Be that as it may, it will still be a good idea for Huawei users to hold onto their warranties. Just in case the situation with Huawei does indeed go south, at least users will still be able to get their money back with their warranties.
So, more free bubble tea giveaways as an act of contrition then? It won’t be a pretty sight sipping those drinks when the world burns with nuclear fire.
Gerald currently straddles between his love of video games and board gaming. There’s nothing that interests him more than trying out the newest and fanciest gadget in town as well. He dreams of publishing a board game sometime in the future!
Natalie
Edwin Teo
