A US official has warned that the UK’s leaked proposal to adopt Huawei technology for 5G mobile phone networks risks affecting intelligence cooperation with the US, prompting further criticism from Conservatives opposed to the plan. One Conservative MP opposed to letting Huawei supply technology praised the US intervention. Downing Street responded on Monday by saying it had taken concerns about Huawei seriously. Repeating rhetoric used by US intelligence agencies last week, Strayer said countries that adopted Huawei technology risked handing China “a loaded gun”, amid fears the technology could be used for mass surveillance. In a special briefing for journalists organised by the US state department, Strayer said such decisions were something that “western democracies who are concerned about human rights need to think carefully about”.

Source: The Guardian April 29, 2019 13:26 UTC