Huawei CEO Denies Spying, Praises Trump
Huawei Founder and CEO, Ren Zhengfei, has praised Donald Trump – affirming he’s a “great president” – whilst formally rejecting claims of spying for the Chinese government.
Reported by CNBC, Ren asserts Huawei would never grant the Chinese government access to user data, even if requested by Beijing.The news follows a rare sit down with international media, as Ren seeks to debunk claims that Huawei telco equipment poses cybersecurity and national security risks to Western governments.
“China’s ministry of foreign affairs has officially clarified that no law in China requires any company to install mandatory back doors,” Ren said to CNBC.
“Huawei and me personally have never received any request from any government to provide improper information.”
Despite currently being a Communist Party member, and former soldier in the People’s Liberation Army, Ren asserts his background does not tarnish a desire to protect Huawei user data, even if requested by the Chinese government.
The news comes after Australia and New Zealand banned Chinese companies such as Huawei and ZTE from the local 5G network build.
The United States has continued to warn against Huawei products and its telco equipment, with its Mate 20 Pro smartphone not sold there.
It follows the arrests of Huawei CFO and Founder’s daughter, Meng Wanzhou, in Canada, as requested by the United States for fraud relating to sanctions against Iran.
Last week, a Huawei executive was arrested in Poland, relating to claims of espionage. Huawei has denied involvement, asserting the actions are of the individual.
Admitting it may be a “difficult” year for Huawei, the Chinese giant has targeted revenues of $125 billion, with growth tipped to be below 20%.