Why Australia has banned Huawei and ZTE’s 5G technology
Chinese foreign ministry accuses the country of using ‘ideological prejudices’ to ‘erect barriers’
Chinese mobile giants Huawei and ZTE have been banned from supplying equipment for a 5G network in Australia over national security concerns.
Huawei broke the news through its Twitter page yesterday afternoon, saying that it had been informed by the Australian government that it, along with Chinese tech firm ZTE, had “been banned from providing 5G technology” in the country.
“This is a extremely disappointing result for consumers,” the company said on Twitter. “Huawei is a world leader in 5G. Has safely & securely delivered wireless technology in Aust for close to 15 yrs.”
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
In a statement sent to Reuters, the Australian government said its national security regulations, which had already applied to network carriers, will now apply to technology companies as well.
Technology firms which “are likely to be subject to extrajudicial directions from a foreign government” could expose Australian networks to interference or unauthorised access, the statement said.
Analysts told the Financial Times that “extrajudicial directions” refers to requirements under Chinese law that mandate the nation’s companies to “assist and co-operate with security agencies when directed to by Beijing”.
The move could have “global implications”, according to the Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s cyber policy chief, Fergus Hanson.
Speaking to the FT, Hanson said the importance of developing ultra-fast 5G networks could mean “other western countries are likely to review their own rules” over companies working with foreign governments.
Responding to the ban, Lu Kang, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, accused Australia of using the tech companies connections’ with Beijing to “artificially erect barriers”, the BBC reports.
The minist.ry called on Australia to “abandon ideological prejudices and provide a fair competitive environment for Chinese companies”
This is not the first time Huawei and ZTE have clashed with governments over their ties with security agencies in Beijing.
In May, the US banned Huawei and ZTE phones on its military bases because of concerns the devices were recording private information, CNet reports.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
The mental health crisis affecting vets
Under The Radar Death of Hampshire vet highlights mental health issues plaguing the industry
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
The Onion is having a very ironic laugh with Infowars
The Explainer The satirical newspaper is purchasing the controversial website out of bankruptcy
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
'Rahmbo, back from Japan, will be looking for a job? Really?'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Justice Department bites Apple with iPhone suit
Speed Read The lawsuit alleges that the tech company monopolized the smartphone industry
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Phubbing: a marriage-wrecking habit?
Talking Point New study says couples are avoiding talking to each other by looking at their phones - but was it ever thus?
By The Week Staff Published
-
The arguments for and against universal chargers
Pros and Cons European Commission pushing to establish USB-C as standard for all phones
By The Week Published
-
Our way or the Huawei: will China retaliate over 5G tech ban?
In Depth Chinese state media warns of ‘painful’ response to UK’s ‘ill-founded’ decision
By Arion McNicoll Last updated
-
Which countries have 5G?
In Depth Rollout of the high-speed wireless technology has caused controversy across the globe
By Asya Likhtman Published
-
Do smartphones make headaches worse?
Speed Read New study finds that users who get regular migraines take more painkillers but experience less relief
By The Week Staff Last updated
-
Huawei banned: the risks and benefits of Chinese 5G tech
Speed Read UK’s mobile providers banned from buying Huawei 5G equipment after 31 December
By The Week Staff Last updated
-
US says using Huawei in UK 5G network would be ‘madness’
Speed Read Ministers told allowing Chinese firm access would risk intelligence sharing
By The Week Staff Published