German Automakers Might Face China’s Wrath If Berlin Bans Huawei From 5G Networks

The Chinese ambassador in Berlin has indicated that the German car industry could face “consequences” if technology giant Huawei is banned from building 5G networks in Germany.

Huawei has been under the spotlight for months since being singled out as a security threat by the Trump administration. As a result, from February 16, 2020, Hauwei products will be banned in the U.S.

Over in Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government has previously ruled out banning Huawei from the nation’s 5G network but there is an effort from lawmakers of the ruling coalition looking to override her decision, the South China Morning Post reports.

In response, Chinese ambassador Wu Ken said during an event hosted by the local Handelsblatt newspaper that Germany could face repercussions if it bans Huawei: “If Germany were to take a decision that leads to Huawei’s exclusion from the German market, there will be consequences. The Chinese government will not stand idly by,” he said.

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Wu then told the audience that German car manufacturers account for roughly a quarter of the cars sold in China. “Can we also say that German cars are not safe because we’re in a position to manufacture our own cars? No, that would be pure protectionism,” he pointed out.

Some, including the director of Berlin’s Global Public Policy Institute, Thorsten Benner, have interpreted Wu’s statements as an “open threat” to Germany’s automotive industry.

The United States has been seeking to convince its allies to squeeze Huawei out as a 5G supplier, alleging the company has been spying on behalf of the Chinese government, something the company denies.