ZCZC
BCN-31
US-CHINA-TRADE-TELECOM-HUAWEI
Google and Android system start to cut ties with Huawei
SAN FRANCISCO, May 20, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – US internet giant Google, whose
Android mobile operating system powers most of the world’s smartphones, said
Sunday it was beginning to cut ties with China’s Huawei, which Washington
considers a national security threat.
In the midst of a trade war with Beijing, President Donald Trump has
barred US companies from engaging in telecommunications trade with foreign
companies said to threaten American national security.
The measure targets Huawei, a Chinese telecoms giant in Washington’s
sights that is listed by the Commerce Department among firms with which
American companies can only engage in trade after obtaining the green light
from the authorities.
The ban includes technology sharing.
“We are complying with the order and reviewing the implications,” a Google
spokesperson told AFP.
The move could have dramatic implications since Google, like all tech
companies, must collaborate with smartphone makers to ensure its systems are
compatible with their devices.
Google will have to halt business activities with Huawei that involve
transfer of hardware, software and technical services that are not publicly
available — meaning Huawei will only be able to use the open source version
of Android, a source close to the matter told AFP.
Huawei will no longer have access to Google’s proprietary apps and
services, such as the Gmail email service.
Huawei did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Huawei is a rapidly expanding leader in 5G technology but remains
dependent on foreign suppliers.
It buys about $67 billion worth of components each year, including about
$11 billion from US suppliers, according to The Nikkei business daily.
Huawei is the target of an intense campaign by Washington, which has been
trying to persuade allies not to allow China a role in building next-
generation 5G mobile networks.
US government agencies are already banned from buying equipment from
Huawei.
Huawei founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei said Saturday that “We have not done
anything which violates the law,” adding the US measures would have a limited
impact.
BSS/AFP/HR/1040