‘DESPICABLE ROGUES’

Chinese State Media Accuse U.S. of ‘Hooliganism’ Over Huawei Arrest

Arrest of CFO threatens fragile truce in trade war.

State-run Chinese media have accused the U.S. of “hooliganism” over the arrest of Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou, the daughter of the telecom’s founder, saying that America is seeking to use the incident to hobble the company. “One thing that is undoubtedly true and proven is the U.S. is trying to do whatever it can to contain Huawei’s expansion in the world simply because the company is the point man for China’s competitive technology companies,” an editorial in China Daily said, while state-run tabloid Global Times said: “Obviously Washington is resorting to a despicable rogue’s approach as it cannot stop Huawei’s 5G advance in the market.” Washington is said to believe the company flouted sanctions on trade with Iran. The arrest also comes against a background of allegations that Huawei is exploiting its use in the infrastructure of national telecom systems to steal information. There are concerns that Huawei’s close alliance with the Chinese state may expose governments and other organizations using its gear to the risk of cyberattacks.