Huawei plans to take its push-back against the US government to a new level this week.
The embattled Chinese tech company intends to file a lawsuit against the American government over a law that bans US federal agencies from buying Huawei products, according to reports by The New York Times and the Financial Times citing unidentified sources.
Huawei declined to comment on the matter.
In its lawsuit, Huawei will claim that the National Defense Authorization Act violates the US Constitution by singling out a single individual or group for punishment without trial, according to the reports. The legislation, which was passed in August, specifically forbids government agencies from using technology from Huawei and its smaller Chinese rival ZTE.
It’s the latest twist in the clash between the US and China over technology.
Huawei — which describes itself as employee-owned — is one of China’s largest and most successful companies. It’s a key player in the introduction of super-fast 5G wireless networks around the world.
The US government says Huawei’s products could be used by Chinese intelligence services for spying — a claim the company has repeatedly denied. Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei said in January that the company would never harm its customers.
Washington has been leading an international campaign to pressure US allies to ban the Chinese company from their 5G networks.
In a speech in Europe last month, US Vice President Mike Pence said his country had been “very clear” on the threat posed by Huawei.
“We must protect our critical telecom infrastructure, and the United States is calling on all our security partners to be vigilant and to reject any enterprise that would compromise the integrity of our communications technology or national security systems,” he said.
Mobile operators around the world have said the US campaign is complicating their efforts to upgrade their networks. Analysts and industry executives say Huawei has already built up such a strong lead in 5G technology that it’s practically irreplaceable for many wireless carriers.
Security concerns have led to the company’s technology being completely banned in Australia, a major US ally, and partially restricted in New Zealand.
European countries including the United Kingdom and Germany are still deciding what stance to take.
