Germany has announced a phased removal of components made by Chinese companies Huawei and ZTE from its 5G wireless network over the next five years, a move aimed at reducing security risks and avoiding unilateral dependencies. This decision is expected to further strain Germany's relationship with China, its largest trading partner.
Mobile network operators such as Vodafone, Deutsche Telekom, and Telefónica have agreed to retire the components of their 5G 'core networks' by the end of 2026. By the end of 2029, these components must also be removed from 'access and transport networks,' which include the physical parts of the 5G network such as transmission lines and towers.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized the importance of protecting Germany's central nervous systems as a place of business and securing the communication of citizens, businesses, and the state. 'We must reduce security risks and, unlike in the past, avoid unilateral dependencies,' she stated.
The German government highlighted the necessity of 'secure and resilient telecommunications infrastructures' to mitigate the 'dangers of sabotage and espionage.' The decision follows thorough examination and aligns with similar actions taken by the United Kingdom and Canada.
Huawei responded to the announcement by stating there is 'no specific evidence or scenarios' indicating cybersecurity risks associated with its technology. The company expressed its commitment to cooperating with customers and partners to promote cybersecurity and the digitalization of mobile networks in Germany.
This move comes amid broader tensions between Beijing and the European Union. Recently, Germany blocked the sale of a Volkswagen subsidiary to a Chinese state-owned company on national security grounds, prompting a rebuke from Beijing. Additionally, the EU imposed tariffs on Chinese electric cars last month.
Germany has been considering the removal of Huawei components from its 5G network for years, following similar bans by the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan due to fears of espionage. The United States placed Huawei on a list of trade restrictions in 2019, complicating the company's access to semiconductor chips from American suppliers.
- The German Interior Minister's announcement marks a significant step in reducing the country's reliance on Chinese technology. This decision is expected to have a substantial impact on the operations of mobile network operators in Germany, who will need to find alternative suppliers for their 5G network components.
- The European Commission has also urged the 27 EU member countries and telecom operators to exclude Huawei and ZTE from their mobile networks. However, European countries remain divided on the approach to take, with some nations advocating for stricter measures while others seek a more balanced stance.
- Fears of excessive dependence on Beijing have been growing in Germany, leading to increased vigilance over critical infrastructure. The German government aims to enhance its resilience to crises by ensuring a secure telecommunications infrastructure, thereby safeguarding against potential risks of sabotage and espionage.
