Huawei Photo: VCG
The Chinese Embassy in Spain lashed out at US interference in Huawei’s normal operations in Spain on Sunday, calling it a typical act of bullying when asked to comment on a recent statement from the US House Intelligence Committee, which made unfounded claims that the purchase of Huawei-related products by Spanish authorities would not only jeopardize Spain’s national security but also threaten the security of its allies.
“For some time now, the US has been engaged in a global campaign to smear, restrict, and attack specific Chinese companies. This has become a blatant tool of manipulation in anti-China politics. The attack on Huawei’s products is yet another example of the US generalizing the concept of national security, politicizing economic and trade issues, and maliciously blocking and suppressing Chinese companies,” said a statement the Chinese embassy released on Sunday.
The US has never provided convincing evidence to support its claims. China strongly opposes this and will resolutely defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies, said the statement.
Spanish outlet The Objective reported recently that Huawei won a 12.3 million euro ($14.3 million) contract from the Ministry of the Interior of Spain.
On Thursday, top lawmakers on the US Senate and House intelligence committees attempted to voice their so-called concerns.
“There is no security risk,” a spokesman for the Spanish Home Ministry said, as reported by Bloomberg. “The contract meets the standards required by the National Security Framework.”
The Chinese Embassy in Spain said on Sunday that the Chinese government has consistently required Chinese companies to conduct foreign economic cooperation based on legal compliance. “All products sold by Huawei in the Spanish market fully comply with Spanish laws and regulations as well as applicable product access standards and scopes. The products cannot access data externally, ensuring their safety. All information stored is exclusively controlled by the user. We hope the US will respect science and common sense and refrain from making baseless accusations,” said the embassy.
China and Spain conduct economic and trade cooperation based on mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit, which should be free from any third-party interference and restrictions, it said.
“China fully believes that Spain, as a rule-of-law country, will provide a fair, just, and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies to operate and cooperate normally in the local market, in accordance with the principles of market openness and transparency and existing laws,” it said.
Global Times