BERLIN: Germany said on Thursday it will phase out the use of components from Chinese telecommunications giants Huawei and ZTE in its 5G networks due to national security apprehensions, marking a significant shift in its technological policy amid geopolitical tensions.
The German Interior Ministry said that components from Huawei and ZTE will no longer be permitted in “core” 5G mobile networks by the end of 2026 at the latest. Furthermore, these components must be entirely replaced in 5G access and transmission infrastructure by the end of 2029.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized the importance of protecting Germany’s communication networks from potential cyber threats, labeling cyberattacks as potential “existential threats” to the nation’s infrastructure and citizens.
“We are protecting the central nervous systems of Germany as a business location — and we are protecting the communication of citizens, companies and the state,” Faeser stated during a press conference in Berlin. She highlighted the necessity of reducing security risks and avoiding dependency on single suppliers.
The decision follows consultations and agreements with Germany’s major 5G network operators including Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and Telefonica. These operators have agreed to comply with the ban on Huawei and ZTE equipment.
While addressing concerns about potential repercussions from China, Faeser acknowledged that Beijing had been informed about the bans but refrained from speculating on retaliatory measures.
The exclusion of Huawei and ZTE from Germany’s 5G networks underscores broader European Union apprehensions regarding the use of technology from non-EU vendors, particularly those that may not meet EU data protection standards. The European Commission has previously classified Huawei and ZTE as security risks, urging EU member states to exclude their equipment from critical infrastructure.
China and Germany have long had close ties, with Germany’s crucial manufacturers — from auto companies to machine-tool makers — exporting vast quantities of products to the world’s number two economy.
