Huawei Is a Huge Challenge for Europe's Spies
The EU wants to present a united front on the Chinese 5G supplier, but its member states need to get over their reluctance to share intelligence.
The EU doesn't want to get sucked into Donald Trump's war on Huawei. The bloc's spooks need to step up.
Photographer: JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFPThe technological Cold War that’s breaking out between the U.S. and China has exposed Europe’s awkward attempts to walk a fine diplomatic line between the two superpowers.
Super-fast 5G mobile networks are the most visible example. The EU doesn’t want to copy Donald Trump’s ban on China’s Huawei Technologies Co Ltd. (despite his threat to curb intelligence sharing with the British unless they fall into line). But neither does Europe want to turn a blind eye to the Chinese cyber-security threat and evidence of the country’s unfair trade practices. The continent’s leaders are trying to find their own united path. It’s an encouraging ambition, but one that’s still a long way from being realized.