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OTTAWA (BLOOMBERG) – Huawei Technologies would refuse any request from the Chinese government to open the "backstage" of foreign telecommunications networks, as it is not legally required to do so, the company's chairman said.
Liang Hua, speaking to reporters in Toronto Thursday, Feb. 21, said the company had received independent legal advice on its obligations under Chinese law and that there was no requirement for companies to create what it wanted. called "back doors" in the networks. He added that the company had never received such a request, but that she would refuse it if she did.
"We will not execute the request" because it would not be legal, he said through a translator, pointing out that he was running an "independent business" intended to serve his clients. "We have a good track record in cybersecurity."
His comments and announcement of an increase in spending in Canada come as the country and many of its peers question the opportunity to restrict or prohibit Huawei's networks 5G.
The company's financial director, Ms. Meng Wanzhou, is under house arrest in Vancouver and is at risk of being extradited from Canada to the United States.
& # 39; CHALLENGES & DIFFICULTIES & # 39;
Liang downplayed some of the geopolitical tensions, saying that the companies were facing normal difficulties and would continue to invest in Canada, regardless of the decision made under 5G. However, he said that he believed that Ms. Meng was innocent and that Canada would keep politics aside from her decision.
"Ultimately, we hope that decisions on 5G can be made based on technology and not on other factors," he said. "At any time, at any time, it is normal for us that a company faces challenges and difficulties."
The United States, New Zealand and Australia have all restricted or banned Huawei 5G networks.
Britain said this week that no decision has been taken, but that the country "will not compromise on the improvements we need to see from Huawei".
Germany has ruled out a complete ban on Huawei.
& # 39; FAIR AND JUST & # 39;
Despite tensions, Liang predicted a revenue growth of the company, which is expected to reach 125.4 billion USD (170 billion USD) in 2019, against 108.5 billion USD last year. Revenues in Canada totaled $ 420 million last year, including $ 270 million from telecommunications companies such as BCE and Telus Corp, and $ 150 million from consumer products.
He stated that the company "is only an equipment vendor" of these Canadian telecom companies and has no networks or data on Canadian customers. He stated that he wanted all providers to be treated on an equal footing in a fair and equitable manner.
Cybersecurity and privacy are challenges for the entire industry and not just for one company, he said.
The company will not abandon Canada if it bans 5G, Liang said. "There are still customers who will choose us, in which case we will continue to provide a good service to our customers," he said.
The United States has unveiled allegations against Huawei, two affiliates and Ms. Meng regarding alleged bank and wire frauds related to commercial activities in Iran, as well as allegations that the company allegedly stole trade secrets from T- Mobile US. Mr. Liang said that the dispute with T-Mobile had been resolved in civil proceedings and that "an accused is innocent until proven otherwise".
Ms. Meng is scheduled to appear in court next month, although her extradition struggle may last for years.
"I can not say that the US accusations against Ms. Meng are not motivated by political considerations," said Liang.
"I believe she is innocent and I hope the Canadian justice system will do her justice."
Liang quoted remarks by former Canadian ambassador to China, John McCallum, who said Ms. Meng had a good chance of avoiding extradition. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called for McCallum's resignation a few days later.
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