China decries ‘unreasonable suppression’ of its firms

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ANKARA (AA) – China on Tuesday decried what it called “suppression” of its telecommunication giant Huawei by Western countries.

The U.S. and its allies “must stop unreasonable suppression” of Chinese companies, including Huawei, said a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, reported Beijing-based outlet ECNS.

The statement comes after the U.S. on Monday unsealed two indictments tied to alleged illegality by Huawei, including alleged theft of trade secrets.

The U.S., France, and other Western nations have voiced fears that using Huawei base stations and other gear could give Beijing access to critical network infrastructure worldwide, possibly allowing it to spy on foreign governments.

A 13-count indictment charges Huawei, two Huawei affiliates, and Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou with financial fraud related to attempts to evade U.S. sanctions on Iran.

Wanzhou was arrested in December while changing planes in Canada at the request of the U.S. over the fraud charges for illegally doing business with Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions.

Denying any law violations or wrongdoings, Huawei in a statement expressed “disappointment” to learn about the charges against the company.

“Huawei denies that it or its subsidiary or affiliate have committed any of the asserted violations of U.S. law set forth in each of the indictments, is not aware of any wrongdoing by Meng, and believes the U.S. courts will ultimately reach the same conclusion,” a Huawei statement said.