Following ongoing issues with its decision to include Huawei in part of its 5G network, Britain is now interested in creating a 5G alliance to counter China.
The US has banned Huawei over allegations it serves as part of Beijing’s spying apparatus. US officials have gone on to wage an intense campaign to convince its allies to do the same.
The US’ closest ally, the UK, attempted to work out a compromise solution wherein Huawei would be allowed to participate in the country’s 5G network in a limited role. That move has caused the US to reevaluate military and intelligence assets in the UK. It’s the US’ latest move, however, to cut off Huawei’s chip supplies that may have forced the UK to reconsider its decision.
According to the Times of London, British officials may be prepared to go farther, “seeking to forge an alliance of ten democracies to create alternative suppliers of 5G equipment and other technologies to avoid relying on China.
“New concerns about Huawei, the Chinese telecoms giant, have increased the urgency of the plan after security officials began a review into its involvement in the mobile network upgrade.”
It’s probably a safe bet the UK will be able to drum up the necessary support for a proposed alliance.
