SHERBROOKE, Quebec – Canada’s government on Friday dismissed China’s warning of repercussions if Ottawa banned Huawei Technologies Co Ltd [HWT.UL] from supplying equipment to 5G networks, saying it would not compromise on security.
China’s ambassador to Canada issued the threat on Thursday as relations between the two nations continued to deteriorate after a senior Huawei executive was arrested in Vancouver last month on a US extradition warrant. China has also detained two Canadians.
Some Canadian allies have already imposed restrictions on using Huawei equipment, citing the risk of espionage.
Western intelligence agencies have for years raised concerns about Huawei’s ties to China’s government and the possibility its equipment could be used for espionage.
China detained the two Canadians last month after Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Huawei, was arrested in Vancouver on a U.S. extradition request.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau later told reporters he was concerned about “the apparent blending of Chinese commercial interests with Chinese political positioning”.
Trudeau has called several world leaders in recent weeks to raise concerns about the case of the two Canadians. The Chinese ambassador on Thursday advised Canada to stop seeking support from allies. (Reuters)
