Huawei not transparent, risky as tech partner — Pompeo

MANILA, Philippines — US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned the Philippines yesterday against the security “risks” of using the technology of Chinese telecom giant Huawei amid allegations that the tech firm is used by China to spy on private companies and government agencies in the US and other countries.

Pompeo also made a pitch for US companies as “best partners” for investments and joint ventures in the country’s digital infrastructure during a joint press conference with Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. at the Department of Foreign Affairs.

“Similarly, American companies are the best partners in the priority areas of infrastructure development and digital economy because they operate with the highest standard of transparency and adherence with the rule of law – the same cannot be said for Chinese state-run or state-backed enterprises,” he said.

When asked to comment about the Philippines’ use of Huawei’s 5G technology, the top American diplomat expressed worry that the Chinese system poses serious security risks for the country.

“We believe that competition, whether it’s in 5G or some other technology, ought to be open, free, transparent and we worry that Huawei is not that,” Pompeo said.

He also warned that the adoption of Huawei technology in the Philippines might prevent the US from operating its own equipment in the country.  – With Jess Diaz, Pia Lee-Brago