Donald Trump has endeavoured to use the power of his nation to block Huawei from expanding its remit. In a shocking act of defiance, the UK today said it planned to work with Huawei on its 5G network, but would ensure there are restrictions. But how will President Trump taken the news?
Huawei is the second-largest smartphone supplier in the world, after Samsung.
The Chinese company is renowned for making leaps in the technology field and having a strong understanding about 5G network coverage.
The UK government has decided to allow the tech giant from China to be part of its 5G network as the country attempts to ensure national coverage is improved.
But will President Trump give the green light to Boris Johnson’s 5G plan?
READ MORE: Brexit: The FIVE big decisions Boris Johnson will face in coming weeks
Mr Ren was a member of China’s army for nine years and is currently also a member of China’s Communist Party.
However, Mr Ren and Huawei have said this is irrelevant.
The company said: “When Ren Zhengfei was a young man, you needed to be a CPC member to have any position of responsibility.”
Washington has however banned US firms from doing business with Huawei and wants its allies to also ban it from their 5G networks.
Australia and New Zealand rallied to the US’ side, while Germany has put off making a decision – at least until the next EU summit in March.
But the UK has today said it will continue to let Huawei be used in its 5G networks, but with restrictions.
DON’T MISS
Nigel Farage hits out at Boris Johnson over Huawei 5G [INSIGHT]
‘China cannot be trusted!’ Boris warned not to trust Huawei [EXPLAINER]
Warning Boris Johnson could hand sovereignty with 5G plans [ANALYSIS]
What have Huawei said about the UK’s decision?
In a statement published on Tuesday, Huawei’s Vice President Victor Zhang said: “Huawei is reassured by the UK government’s confirmation that we can continue working with our customers to keep the 5G roll-out on track.
“This evidence-based decision will result in a more advanced, more secure and more cost-effective telecoms infrastructure that is fit for the future. It gives the UK access to world-leading technology and ensures a competitive market.
“We have supplied cutting-edge technology to telecoms operators in the UK for more than 15 years. We will build on this strong track record, supporting our customers as they invest in their 5G networks, boosting economic growth and helping the UK continue to compete globally.
“We agree a diverse vendor market and fair competition are essential for network reliability and innovation, as well as ensuring consumers have access to the best possible technology.”
What will Donald Trump say?
A Trump administration official has said the US “is disappointed” with the decision.
The choice has been described as the biggest test of Boris Johnson’s post-Brexit strategy to date.
Trump’s administration’s cybersecurity chiefs claim the boundary between periphery will disappear over time as more and more sensitive operations are conducted closer to users.
This means, they believe, it will no longer to keep Huawei, and by extension the Chinese state, out of a network’s most sensitive areas.