Top American economic growth official calls on Philippine government to look for other 5G suppliers
MANILA – An American top official echoed U. S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo’s earlier statements that foreign governments have shifted towards what he described as trustworthy 5G providers such as Ericsson and Nokia.
In a recent telephonic interview from Washington, Undersecretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment Keith Krach said Canadian public opinion “was overwhelmingly against allowing Huawei into the 5G networks.”
He went on to describe that Huawei “is an extension of the Chinese government and a tool to extend its surveillance state.”
“5G is the backbone for that surveillance state. All you have to do is hook up cameras and microphones, and you’ve got Big Brother, George Orwell’s 1984.
Krach downplayed Huawei’s claims that there are no back doors in their products.
“The fact of the matter is there is a front door every day in the software business,” he said. He compared the 5G system to a necklace with chains and one’s as strong as one’s weakest link.
He claimed Huawei comes from a country that has a “National Intelligence Act” which requires companies, state-owned or otherwise or any citizen to turn over any information, proprietary technology, intellectual property, data, upon request to the Chinse Community Party, the government, or the People’s Liberation Army.
Undersecretary Krach said failure to follow requirements will mean consequences. He mentioned companies that offer the same technology such as Samsung from Korea, Nokia from Finland and Ericsson from Sweden which the Philippines may consider.
He referred to the Philippines as “a great partner” which also served basis for their expanded financing capabilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“So, we are here to help, and this is, I think is an important thing,” Undersecretary Krach concluded.
In previous interviews and interactions with Huawei executives in Shenzhen and in Manila, they have continuously denied the accusations made by United States officials. (Melo M. Acuña)
US Undersecretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and Environment Keith Krach. (US State Department file photo)
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