South Korean media: The "butterfly effect" of Trump's tariffs? Germany deletes the "Huawei clause"!

On April 21, South Korean media NEWSPIM published an article stating that it is predicted that Germany will lift the ban on Huawei 5G communication equipment.

Germany began investigating Huawei telecommunications equipment in 2019, coinciding with the time when the United States imposed sanctions on Huawei. In July last year, Germany banned Chinese companies Huawei and ZTE telecommunications equipment and required all existing Chinese equipment to be replaced by the end of 2030. Even during the investigation period, Chinese equipment was prohibited from use.

However, according to recent reports by German WirtschaftsWoche, the ban on Huawei may be lifted.

It is reported that the clause related to Huawei in the coalition agreement between Germany's Union Party and SPD has been deleted. The current coalition agreement stipulates that "only components from reliable countries can be used for critical infrastructure."

Local media said that according to this clause, Huawei will be able to supply sufficient telecommunications equipment to Germany. The SPD has not yet given a clear response.

Analysts believe that there are mainly three reasons for Germany to modify this clause. First, there is no evidence that Huawei equipment poses a threat to Germany's national security. The second is cost issues. Deutsche Telekom estimates that replacing all Chinese equipment will take five years and will incur at least 3 billion euros in additional costs.

The third is the decline in American influence in Europe. EU countries, including Germany, previously banned the use of Chinese telecommunications equipment out of consideration for diplomacy with the United States. However, since President Trump took office, his tariff policies have caused dissatisfaction among European countries, and Europe has also begun to rearm itself, providing greater space to deal with American pressure.

In addition to Germany, several other European countries such as the UK, Denmark, Sweden, and others also banned the use of Huawei 5G equipment. If Germany resumes using Huawei equipment in the future, it will have an impact on other European countries.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1830007551160330/

Disclaimer: This article represents the views of the author only.