Huawei slates security allegations
Huawei has slated reports that its telecoms equipment may contain backdoors, and that the company may be able to shut down telecoms networks or steal trade secrets from countries which use its equipment.
The Langley Intelligence Group Network (LIGNET) recently published a report which raised concerns about electronic backdoors in Huawei and ZTE telecoms components.
According to the LIGNET report the Chinese telecoms companies may have the ability to compromise, or even shut down, networks which use their equipment.
LIGNET and other sources also raised concerns that Huawei and ZTE have direct links to the Chinese government and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
Huawei hit back, saying that the reports contained several inaccuracies and unfounded accusations.
The full response from Alice Qi, Huawei South Africa’s head of public affairs and communication department, are provided below.
I am writing to take issue with your June 12 article, “China can shut down SA’s telecoms services”, which unfortunately included several inaccuracies and unfounded accusations.
Contrary to what was stated in your article, Huawei is a fully employee-owned and privately-held company. The Chinese government or military do not hold any shares in Huawei, nor do they control the company in any form. For the past two and a half decades, Huawei has had an excellent record in delivering secure solutions worldwide. This track record combined with our leadership in customer-centric innovation is why 45 of the world’s top 50 operators, in addition to major South African telecommunication operators, have chosen Huawei as their trusted partner. We believe this trust is build on Huawei’s commitment to be open and transparent with all our partners. We offer governments the possibility to independently audit our solutions and we have already agreed to open our source code upon specific requests from governments, making us a leading advocate in this area.
Huawei has very strong relationships with many South African telecommunication operators. Indeed, we are a significant investor in South Africa’s ICT industry creating thousands of local jobs, contributing to the country’s economy, and providing the world’s most innovative solutions to local companies and consumers. We are proud of the socio-economic contributions we are making to South Africa as part of our long-term investment in this country.
It is important to note that all major technology companies, regardless of national origin, use a global supply chain to source components and design, manufacture and deploy solutions. Huawei, for example, obtains two thirds of its components from non-Chinese suppliers, most of which are American and European. We are working closely with the industry and governments across the world to further enhance international standards and approaches that will strengthen the global supply chain to prevent exploitation and disruption. In addition, Huawei has established a cyber security assurance system – encompassing traceability of all products and processes – that put us at the forefront of efforts to address this critical global issue.
As a responsible and active investor, employer, taxpayer and corporate citizen, we look forward to continuing to work with our South African partners to make positive economic contributions as part of our ongoing commitment to providing secure and innovative solutions and services in the South African market.
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