Huawei Takes US to Court over Ban, Cyberespionage Accusations

Chinese telecom company Huawei didn”t take lightly the ban on its equipment and services enforced by US officials as part of Donald Trump”s National Defense Authorization Act, which also prohibits government agencies from collaborating with third parties that use Huawei technology.

Huawei decided to take the US government to court not only because of the restriction of business in the US, but also the accusations that it poses a threat to national security and the call for other countries to ban its 5G technology, the telecom said on Thursday, according to The Guardian.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Texas, hinges on a legislative act that prohibits as unconstitutional the act of depriving a group of a trial and declaring the party guilty.

“This ban not only is unlawful, but also restricts Huawei from engaging in fair competition, ultimately harming US consumers. We look forward to the court”s verdict, and trust that it will benefit both Huawei and the American people,” said Guo Ping, Huawei”s chairman. “The US Congress has repeatedly failed to produce any evidence to support its restrictions on Huawei products. We are compelled to take this legal action as a proper and last resort.”

Fearing Huawei would have to comply with Chinese law requiring full cooperation and data handover, US officials have been lobbying against the Chinese telecom for years, seeking to persuade other countries, especially in Europe, to impose restrictions or even ban its equipment and technology to prevent cyberespionage. Their push was successful in Australia, while the UK and Germany are still debating how to handle the situation.

“Huawei is not owned, controlled, or influenced by the Chinese government. Moreover, Huawei has an excellent security record and program. No contrary evidence has been offered,” said Song Liuping, Huawei”s chief legal officer.

Despite the tumultuous ongoing conflict with US that jeopardizes its relationship with other countries, Huawei is among the top five companies that registered major growth in Q4 of 2018, thanks to its smartphone and wearables divisions.