BERLIN, Germany: Germany will prohibit the use of critical components from Chinese companies Huawei and ZTE in its 5G networks, with implementation beginning in 2026, announced Interior Minister Nancy Faeser.
This decision aims to mitigate security risks and reduce dependency on Chinese technology in Europe’s largest economy.
Starting by the end of 2026, Germany will ban critical components from Huawei and ZTE in core parts of its 5G networks. By the end of 2029, critical management systems from these manufacturers must be replaced in 5G access and transport networks.
The Interior Ministry has reached agreements with Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and Telefonica, which operate Germany’s 5G networks, to comply with these new regulations.
“We have examined the risks from critical components manufactured by Huawei and ZTE in German 5G cellphone networks very carefully,” Faeser stated.
She emphasized that this agreement is vital for protecting Germany’s business infrastructure and the communication networks of its citizens, companies, and the state. The decision is a response to growing concerns about sabotage and espionage.
Huawei responded, asserting that no evidence suggests their technology poses cybersecurity risks. The company stated it would continue to enhance cybersecurity and support the digitalization of Germany’s mobile networks.
This move aligns with actions taken by the United States, Britain, Sweden, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, all of which have banned or restricted Huawei equipment in their phone networks due to fears of potential espionage and sabotage by Beijing. Huawei has consistently denied these allegations.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government formulated a strategy for relations with China, emphasizing the need to reduce economic dependencies while maintaining trade ties and collaborating on global issues like climate change. This strategy, however, has been criticized by Beijing.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian commented on the decision, highlighting that Huawei and other Chinese companies have significantly contributed to European infrastructure and job creation.
“Politicizing economic, trade, and sci-tech issues will only undermine normal technical exchanges and cooperation and is not in the interest of any party,” he said.
The decision also comes amid heightened tensions between Western countries and China following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. NATO allies, including Germany, recently described China as a “decisive enabler” of Russia’s war and raised concerns over Beijing’s nuclear arsenal and space capabilities.
In response, China accused NATO of seeking security at the expense of others and warned against bringing chaos to Asia.
