Huawei Joins EU Technology Project
Collaboration on AI and 6G Technology Development
Although some European countries such as Denmark and Sweden have imposed restrictions on the use of Chinese Huawei telecommunications equipment in 5G networks, major foreign media reported on the 14th (local time) that the European Union (EU) is still funding Huawei's research.
According to major foreign media, Huawei has been participating in the EU's largest research and innovation program, 'Horizon Europe,' receiving funding for technology development. The program consists of a total of 11 projects, including artificial intelligence (AI), 6th generation mobile communication (6G) technology, and autonomous driving.
Major foreign media reported that the EU has supported Huawei's research funding up to 14% per project, with the total funding amounting to 3.89 million euros (5.3 billion KRW). Huawei, which participated in the projects, is known to have provided equipment and AI platforms to the EU side for technology development.
With this news, there is growing speculation that the EU will not easily impose sanctions on Huawei. The EU is currently deliberating whether to introduce sanctions banning the use of Huawei equipment in 5G networks. This is due to security concerns arising from suspicions of 'backdoors' (means to infiltrate the network without authentication) and the need to reduce dependence on China. However, because Huawei supplies a large proportion of hardware in the 5G radio access network, it is difficult to make a sanction decision easily. Major foreign media explained that the cooperation between the two sides in this situation means that the EU cannot sever its cooperation with Huawei.
Experts warned that cooperation with Huawei could increase technological dependence on China, which may later pose a threat to the EU. John Strand, founder of Strand Consulting, a Danish consulting firm, pointed out, "The participation of Chinese companies in projects is like inviting a distrusted party into your office," and added, "(Huawei's research participation) negatively affects the EU's plans to secure security and autonomy."
Jerome, head of science and technology at the Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS), a prominent German think tank, also stated, "It is unbelievable that Huawei was allowed to participate in sensitive technology projects, and the review process raises questions," and added, "It is surprising that no one put a stop to the company selection process."
Meanwhile, one-third of EU member states have banned the use of Huawei equipment in 5G infrastructure. Earlier, in 2020, the EU Commission issued guidelines stating that when building 5G networks, suppliers posing security risks could have their supply of key components restricted or banned.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
