France has announced it will not ban Huawei from its networks, unlike the US and its closest allies.
The US has engaged in an all-out war against Huawei, claiming the company represents a critical threat to national security. US officials have pressured allies to follow suit, with the UK, Australia and New Zealand issuing bans of their own. Only Canada remains undecided, among the ‘Five Eyes’ countries.
France has been undecided until now, although it appears it will not ban the Chinese firm. According to The Seattle Times, French President Emmanuel Macron indicated that Huawei will be able to participate in France’s 5G networks, but that European companies would be the preferred choice, due to security concerns.
“It’s normal that … we want a European solution [because of] the security of our communication,” Macron said.
This will be a blow to US-led efforts to isolate Huawei, but should help preserve French-Chinese trade relations.