Google cuts ties with Huawei
http://www.hrlnews.com/2019/05/google-cuts-ties-with-huawei.html
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.
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