China slams US, says will defend 'legitimate rights' of Huawei
China's foreign minister Wang Yi slammed US accusations against the telecom giant Huawei and said Beijing will take "all necessary measures" to defend the "legitimate rights" of the country's companies and individuals. Wang's remarks came as the US has pressed charges against the company and a top executive over violations of Iran sanctions while warning Western-allies to shun the firm over security fears.
Recent action against Huawei is a deliberate political suppression: Wang
"It's quite obvious to any unbiased person that the recent action against a particular company and Chinese individual isn't just a pure judicial case but deliberate political suppression," Wang said. "We have already and will continue to take all necessary steps, and resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies and citizens," Wang said, without giving details on types of measures.
Huawei has filed lawsuit in Texas to seek legislation reversal
Wang's remarks come as Huawei is mounting a legal and public relations campaign to counter US warnings that the company's networks and equipment could serve as Trojan horses for Chinese intelligence services. Huawei announced yesterday that it had filed a lawsuit in the US state of Texas to seek the reversal of legislation that prevents American federal agencies from buying its equipment and services.
Company shouldn't be a 'silent lamb to the slaughter': Wang
Wang voiced support for Huawei's lawsuit, saying the company shouldn't be a "silent lamb to the slaughter". Huawei is fighting back after Canada arrested its chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, in December at the behest of the US over charges that she violated Iran sanctions.
