The National Security Council approved the controversial deal allowing Chinese tech-firm Huawei to build parts of the UK’s 5G network. This comes amid criticism from the US and various Tory MPs.
The Telegraph reports that, "The Chinese company will be given access to "non-core" parts of the network but will be banned from "sensitive locations" like military or nuclear sites." Huawei will now have a 35% share of the UK's 5G market. However, the long-term aim is to reduce its share and include more providers.
Boris Johnson has said that collaboration with Huawei is crucial for technological progress in the UK. He has highlighted the importance of this move in promoting access to technology for communication and furthering security interests and critical partnerships for the UK. This collaboration will help build super-fast wireless networks in the UK.
The involvement of Huawei in the UK began more than ten years ago with British Telecom’s decision to upgrade the country's telecom infrastructure. Even though there was no opposition to this decision initially, it eventually began raising questions regarding Chinese surveillance and sabotage. To minimise the danger, the UK ensured the presence of multiple suppliers in the network to limit Huawei's power to influence the functioning of the network.
Critics of the deal worry it entrenches the UK's dependence on Huawei. David Davis, the former Brexit secretary, said, “The problem with this is that it is irreversible. Once you have done it, the technology is not designed to be ‘plug and play’ — where you can pull out a Huawei unit and put in a Samsung one — its effectively proprietary, a bit like having an Apple plug.”
Others, like Damian Collins, former chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, pointed to the cabinet office's report, which highlights “serious and systematic” failures in the cybersecurity of the Huawei network.
The US administration has also raised concerns about the deal, with Mike Pompeo warning that the UK risks compromising its sovereignty of the country. The US has also warned if Huwaei is brought on board, the US will review its intelligence-sharing programs with the UK. These warnings are linked with the ongoing trade war between the US and China.
Some are concerned that the US is using this deal as a bargaining chip with China. Former Tory Minister and ex-Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Crispin Blunt, warned the Boris Johnson administration to ignore the pressures from the US unless they proved a credible security risk. He also told the MPs that the current American position “thinly disguises a protectionist trade position built of supposition”.
While Huawei officials stand firm against the belief that they possess equipment for surveillance, critic continue to worry about interference by the Chinese government. Additionally, the risk of further deterioration of relations with the US raises further concerns about the potential risk to the security and sovereignty of the UK.
Image Source: New York Times