Germany announced plans to ban critical components made by Chinese tech companies Huawei and ZTE from its 5G network in two phases over the next five years. The decision comes as part of the country’s efforts to protect its essential infrastructure and communication networks from potential security risks posed by the Chinese communist regime. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated that the goal is to reduce security risks and avoid one-sided dependencies.
The first stage of the phaseout will involve removing Chinese-made technology from Germany’s core network of 5G data centers by 2026. In the second stage, Chinese-made parts like antennas, transmission lines, and towers will be eliminated by 2029. The agreement was reached after discussions between the interior ministry and major telecom providers, including Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and Telefonica Deutschland.
This revised timetable extends the original proposal that was set for September 2023. One reason for the extension is the fact that Huawei equipment currently accounts for around 50 percent of the cell sites in Germany. Replacing them immediately would result in a significant cost of approximately 2.5 billion euros ($2.72 billion), according to a report by Strand Consult.
The United States has been urging its European allies to ban Chinese equipment from their critical networks due to concerns over security. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) designated both Huawei and ZTE as national security threats in June 2020. The FCC cited their close ties to the Chinese Communist Party and China’s military apparatus, as well as their obligation to cooperate with the country’s intelligence services.
The fear is that Beijing could potentially manipulate the technology to eavesdrop on networks or sabotage communications infrastructure. This concern stems from the Chinese Communist Party’s National Intelligence Act, passed in June 2017, which legally obliges Chinese citizens and companies to turn over any information or data to the regime upon request.
Huawei, a Chinese telecom giant with ties to the People’s Liberation Army, has been accused of being the backbone of the CCP’s surveillance state. The company has been selling its 5G infrastructure and services to authoritarian governments worldwide, according to Keith Krach, a former U.S. undersecretary of state for economic growth, energy, and the environment.
Germany’s decision to ban Chinese equipment follows in the footsteps of other European allies of the United States. Both the UK and Sweden implemented similar bans on Chinese equipment in 2020. Germany, being Europe’s largest economy, accounts for about 25 percent of mobile customers in the continent, further emphasizing the significance of this move.
By taking these measures, Germany is aiming to protect its critical infrastructure and communication networks from potential security threats posed by Chinese tech companies. The phased approach allows for a smoother transition while minimizing the immediate financial burden of replacing existing equipment. As other countries join in banning Chinese equipment from their networks, it sends a powerful message about the importance of safeguarding national security and reducing dependencies on potentially compromising technologies.
