Chinese manufacturing giant, Huawei, has been at loggerheads with the U.S. on multiple issues. The American government claims that Huawei poses a security risk. However, Huawei has vehemently denied these claims. Nevertheless, the U.S. has gone ahead to ban Huawei, a decision that is hurting the company in some regards. The U.S did not just ban Huawei, it is convincing whoever cares to listen to do the same. While the U.S. claims that the ban is all about national security, there are many who thinks that this ban is because of Huawei’s advancement in 5G technology and nothing more.
Well, it appears that the U.S. is now modifying its laws to favour its 5G development. According to recent reports, the United States revised the ban on Qualcomm and other US companies from conducting business with Huawei. The new revision will allow these companies to cooperate with Huawei in the development of next-generation 5G network standards.
The report mentions that according to sources familiar with the situation, the US Department of Commerce and other government agencies have signed this rule modification and are now waiting to be published in the Federal Register.
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The rule modification is not weakening the ban on Huawei
However, industry insiders and government officials claim that this rule change is not a sign that the US’s determination to limit Huawei has weakened. The truth is that the Chinese manufacturer has placed the US at a disadvantage in the standard-setting. As of now, American companies are not sure what technology or information they are allowed to share. In fact, they can’t really tell what Huawei already has in its pocket. For this reason, some American company engineers have reduced their participation, giving the Chinese manufacturer a greater say.
The amendments by the US Department of Commerce aims at ensuring that US companies “fully participate” in voluntary standard-setting bodies. Some industry insiders claim that this will enable (US) companies to compete and take the lead in such basic activities again. Such activities will help to launch advanced technologies such as 5G and artificial intelligence across markets.
For now, there is really no hard evidence of any wrongdoing either from the U.S. or Huawei. Presently, it appears that it’s just the U.S. government’s words against Huawei’s. Definitely, other non-American technologically advancing companies have to be wary for some reason. The U.S. does not need hard evidence to ban any company, its “words” and internal report seems to be enough. If Huawei gets out of this situation unhurt, it might decimate the “respect” for U.S. technology.
