BERLIN \u2014 Huaweis chances of becoming a primary supplier for Germanys 5G networks diminished on Saturday after the ruling Christian Democrats (CDU) moved to block the Chinese company by stipulating that the German parliament have the final say on the matter.<\/p>\n
The party, ignoring opposition from Chancellor Angela Merkel, passed a motion at its convention that would bar 5G equipment suppliers from countries where the government holds sway over the business world.<\/p>\n
The authors of the notion made it clear they were targeting Huawei. Critics of the Chinese company warn that using its equipment could expose countries communications networks to Chinese surveillance and even sabotage, suggestions Huawei has forcefully denied.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a society and state we cannot expose ourselves to attack,\u201d the CDU motion read. \u201cThe only suppliers that can be trusted are those which are not under the influence of undemocratic states that lack functioning structures regarding the rule of law.\u201d<\/p>\n
The motion, in particular the requirement that the German Bundestag, or parliament, be granted veto power, likely dashes Huaweis prospects to play a central role in Germanys 5G expansion.<\/p>\n