Germany intends to ban Huawei and ZTE components from 5G networks
The top security official in the Germany revealed her country’s plans to prevent the use of components made by Chinese companies Huawei and ZTE in the core parts of the country’s 5G networks within two steps starting in 2026.
Germany, Europe’s largest economy, has long thought about how to handle components made by Chinese companies and used in next-generation mobile networks.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said that Huawei and ZTE components are set to be banned from use in core parts of 5G networks by the end of 2026, while the two manufacturers’ critical management systems should be replaced by 5G access and transport networks by the end of 2029.
Faeser explained that the decision was issued after negotiations with the companies “Deutsche Telekom”, “Vodafone” and “Telefónica”, which operate the 5G networks in the Germany, explaining that agreements will be signed with the three companies.
Last year, Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government laid out a strategy for relations with China that signals systemic competition with the Asian power and the need to reduce the risk of economic dependence, but also highlights Berlin’s willingness to work with Beijing to tackle challenges such as climate change and maintain trade ties.
On the other hand, Berlin’s strategy drew criticism from Beijing.
Scholz visited China in April, his second visit to the Asian country since taking office at the end of 2021.
