Trends
Portuguese government to keep ban on Chinese 5G equipment
OUR TAKEPortugal’s new centre-right government will continue the previous administration’s ban on Chinese equipment in 5G networks, maintaining one of Europe’s strictest policies despite potential costs. This decision aligns Portugal more closely with U.S. security concerns, which view Chinese techn…
Headline
OUR TAKEPortugal’s new centre-right government will continue the previous administration’s ban on Chinese equipment in 5G networks, maintaining one of Europe’s strictest policies despite potential costs. This decision aligns Portugal more closely with U.S. security concerns,…
Context
OUR TAKE Portugal’s new centre-right government will continue the previous administration’s ban on Chinese equipment in 5G networks, maintaining one of Europe’s strictest policies despite potential costs. This decision aligns Portugal more closely with U.S. security concerns, which view Chinese technology as a potential threat. The ban, affecting Huawei, is being legally challenged by the company in Lisbon. Portugal’s telecoms operators will need to replace existing Chinese equipment, a move estimated to cost over €1 billion. The government argues that ensuring security justifies the financial and logistical burden. -Tacy Ding, BTW reporter Portugal’s centre-right government will maintain the previous administration’s ban on telecoms companies using Chinese equipment in their 5G networks, a minister has stated, despite the anticipated cost of a stance that is one of the strictest in Europe.
Evidence
Pending intelligence enrichment.
Analysis
In May 2023, under the previous Socialist government, Portugal’s CSSC cybersecurity board prohibited Chinese equipment from high-speed 5G mobile networks, as well as from 4G platforms used as the foundation for the new technology. The CSSC, the prime minister’s consultative body, dealt a significant blow to Chinese technology giant Huawei ’s (HWT.UL) efforts to enter Portugal’s 5G market and potentially extend existing contracts with its decision. Infrastructure Minister Miguel Pinto Luz told broadcaster NOW late on Monday, “There are certain policies that must maintain continuity, and security is one of them.” Europe and the United States have expressed concerns that Chinese involvement in critical infrastructure could jeopardise security, a stance rejected by both Beijing and Huawei. In September, Huawei filed a lawsuit in a Lisbon court challenging the CSSC’s decision.
Key Points
- Portugal’s centre-right government will continue the previous administration’s ban on Chinese equipment in 5G networks, maintaining one of Europe’s strictest stances despite potential costs.
Actions
Pending intelligence enrichment.
