Serious concern over Japan planning to ban Huawei, ZTE: China

As Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou gets set to appear in a Canadian court, China today expressed concern over reports of Japan deciding to ban Huawei and ZTE over cybersecurity.

Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper reported that the government plans to revise internal procurement rules to exclude products made by Huawei and ZTE.    

"We express serious concern about the reports. The Chinese government has always encouraged Chinese companies to follow market principles and international rules while conducting overseas investment and corporation in accordance with local laws," the Chinese foreign ministry said.

Wanzhou, 46, was arrested by Canadian authorities on US request over alleged use of global banking system to evade US sanctions on Iran. The Trump administration has requested its allies not to use Huawei and ZTE over cybersecurity fears.

The Yomiuri newspaper said the Japanese government was not likely to communicate the decision officially."We hope that Japan will provide a level playing field for Chinese companies to operate in Japan," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said.

"Huawei and ZTE have legally operated in Japan for a long time. We hope the Japanese side can provide a fair competition environment for Chinese companies operating in Japan and not do anything to harm bilateral corporation and mutual trust," the Chinese foreign ministry said while defending the two companies.

The Chinese foreign ministry said neither Canada nor the US had provided any evidence that Meng had broken the law. US intelligence officials have declared Huawei a national security threat and has been facing 5G ban in Australia and New Zealand.

"China has always protected the legitimate rights of foreigners in China in accordance with the law," the foreign ministry asserted.

Reports said Huawei had appointed Chairman Liang Hua as acting CFO following Meng's arrest. Meng is set to appear for bail hearing on Friday. Huawei said "the company has been provided very little information regarding the charges and is not aware of any wrongdoing by Ms. Meng."