MOSCOW: German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser plans to phase out Chinese-supplied technology from the core 5G networks by 2026, putting Berlin on a collision course with Beijing, reported Sputnik quoting media reports on Tuesday.
The plans, which were shared with national broadcasters, show that Huawei- and ZTE-made components will be banned from the next-generation mobile networks starting January 2026, while all parts already in place will have to be replaced, ARD’s Tagesschau reported.
This does not amount to a blanket ban because the use of Chinese-made equipment will still be partially allowed in the non-critical access and transport networks outside areas deemed as sensitive. These include Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and industrial regions such as Ruhr, but also the vicinity of military facilities and other critical infrastructure.
Germany updated its foreign policy strategy for China in July saying it would focus on “de-risking” their relationship by untangling their economies without completely severing the link. Mobile providers have been advised to limit their reliance on Chinese technology over spying concerns. – BERNAMA-SPUTNIK
