China pledged on Wednesday to defend its companies if the European Union insists on its plan to ban foreign telecommunications equipment manufacturers deemed “high-risk,” a move widely seen as targeting Chinese firms.
During a regular press conference, a spokesperson stated: “We urge the European Union not to continue down the wrong path of protectionism. Otherwise, China will be forced to take necessary measures to resolutely defend the legitimate rights and interests of its companies.”
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The European Union revealed the proposal on Tuesday as part of its plans to review cybersecurity rules, aiming to strengthen Europe’s defenses against the rise of cyberattacks. The EU did not name any specific country or company, but it has recently taken a tougher stance on trade issues with China, often citing security concerns.
Details of the European Plan
The mentioned plan stipulates that the EU would ban companies from third countries from cooperating with European mobile networks if they are considered a security risk, based on previous measures in 2023 that led to the exclusion of the Chinese companies Huawei and ZTE from networks.
The spokesperson warned that the EU’s plans would impose heavy costs on the economy, saying: “This is blatant protectionism. Behavior that deliberately interferes in the market and violates economic laws not only fails to achieve so-called security but also imposes heavy costs on countries.”
China
China is one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, with a recorded history spanning over four millennia. It is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, which reflect its long imperial past and profound cultural achievements.
European Union
The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 27 European countries, founded after World War II to foster economic cooperation and prevent future conflict. It has evolved from the European Coal and Steel Community in 1951 into a major supranational entity with its own currency, the euro, and institutions that govern common policies on trade, agriculture, and regional development.
Huawei
Huawei is a Chinese multinational technology corporation founded in 1987 by Ren Zhengfei, initially focusing on manufacturing phone switches. It has since grown into one of the world’s largest telecommunications equipment and consumer electronics manufacturers, playing a central role in global 5G network development. The company’s rapid international expansion has been accompanied by significant geopolitical scrutiny regarding its ties to the Chinese government and national security concerns.
ZTE
ZTE is a major Chinese multinational telecommunications equipment and systems company headquartered in Shenzhen, founded in 1985. It has grown to become one of the world’s leading providers of telecommunications technology and mobile devices, playing a significant role in the global rollout of 5G networks.
