WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Twenty US Republican and Democrat Senators gathered on Tuesday to urge British lawmakers to reconsider their government’s decision to allow Chinese Huawei [HWT.UL] to be among the providers of the country’s 5G mobile phone network, the latest salvo from the American opposition to the plan.
“In light of the significant security, privacy and economic threats posed by Huawei, we urge the UK to reconsider its recent decision, to take steps to mitigate Huawei’s risks and to work in close partnership with the United States on these efforts in the future, “Senators said in an unusual letter to MPs.
The letter was signed by one-fifth of the 100 members of the Senate, including Chuck Schumer, the Democratic House leader, Richard Burr, Republican chairman of the intelligence committee, and Mark Warner, Democratic vice-chairman of the panel.
A bipartisan group of 42 members of the US House of Representatives sent a similar letter in January.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government decision in January to allow Huawei a limited role in its 5G mobile network has put pressure on the traditionally close relationship of the United States.
The two countries are preparing to negotiate a trade agreement which Britain hopes will be one of the biggest costs of leaving the European Union.
Washington sought to convince its allies to ban Chinese society from their networks, warning that its equipment could be used by China to spy. Huawei has repeatedly denied the spy allegations.
(Report by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Sonya Hepinstall)
