US says it may reassess intel sharing with allies that use Huawei tech in their 5G systems
The US government will reassess sharing information with allies that use equipment made by Chinese tech firm Huawei in their 5G networks, a US official said today.
“It is the United States’ position that putting Huawei or any other untrustworthy vendor in any part of the 5G telecommunications network is a risk,” said Robert Strayer, deputy assistant secretary for cyber, international communications and information policy at the state department.
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“If other countries insert and allow untrusted vendors to build out and become the vendors for their 5G networks we will have to reassess the ability for us to share information and be connected with them in the ways that we are today,” he said.
Last week a decision by the UK’s national security council (NSC) to allow Huawei to supply non-core parts of the UK’s 5G network was leaked to the press.
The leak has led to an uproar, with cabinet secretary Sir Mark Sedwill launching an inquiry to find the culprit who briefed a Daily Telegraph journalist about the contents of the secret meeting.
The leak is believed to be the first since the NSC was founded in 2010.
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Cabinet ministers who attended the meeting include defence secretary Gavin Williamson, foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt, home secretary Sajid Javid, international trade secretary Liam Fox and development secretary Penny Mordaunt.
Five ministers opposed the decision to allow Huawei access to the UK 5G network on security grounds.
Huawei has consistently denied it facilitates Chinese spying.