NATO, Romania, China, Huawei
The Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei’s request to supply 5G equipment has been rejected by Romania, a NATO member, for security concerns.
Romania, which has been a member of NATO since 2004, is mindful of the importance of adhering to rules and regulations. The decision to decline Huawei’s request was made in June 2021 by Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, citing security concerns as the primary reason. Since then, Huawei has been seeking to have the government revisit and potentially revise the ban decision.
Following the Romanian president’s decision, Washington issued a statement regarding the situation. It alleged that Huawei poses security threats to its users because of its ties with the Chinese government. Huawei has denied these allegations.
The Romanian government stated that “based on law 163/2021 regarding the adoption of measures related to information and communication infrastructures of national interest and the conditions for the implementation of 5G networks.” The Law measures information and communication infrastructure relating to international and national interest for 5G to be implemented.
Will the Chinese Speak?
The Chinese embassy in Bucharest commented on the decision imposed by the Romanian government, primarily expressing criticism.
“We resolutely oppose the use of non-technical standards or discriminatory terms to exclude any country or enterprise, and resolutely oppose actions that undermine the principle of fair competition and the spirit of the rule of law,” the embassy of China stated.
The embassy further elaborated, “Huawei has been investing and operating in Romania for 20 years, strictly adhering to Romanian laws and regulations, and has maintained an exemplary network security record. Huawei actively participates in the construction of Romania’s communications network and is dedicated to fostering Sino-Romanian cooperation in information and communications technology.”
According to the Chinese Embassy in Bucharest, Huawei’s 20-year investment in Romania has been characterized by strict compliance with local laws and a commitment to maintaining a clean record. They also highlighted Huawei’s significant contribution to the development of Romania’s communications infrastructure.
What NATO Allies, Have to Say
Due to its membership in NATO, Romania is obligated to adhere to specific commitments, rules, and regulations, particularly concerning its stance on Huawei. NATO enforces stringent regulations on the security of telecommunications, exerting pressure on member countries to comply in order to sustain a resilient telecommunications infrastructure.
One of NATO’s key allies is the United States, which significantly influences the decisions made by countries like Romania in cases such as this. The US has expressed clear concerns regarding Chinese technology and 5G security, impacting the stance of NATO members on these issues.
In this case, Romania must align with NATO’s regulations to preserve its relationship with the United States and uphold the alliance’s collective security standards.
Inside Telecom provides you with an extensive list of content covering all aspects of the tech industry. Keep an eye on our Tech sections to stay informed and up-to-date with our daily articles.