Q: European commission Vice President Andrus Ansip said, in an interview on 25 January, that China's National Intelligence Law has increased the risk in dealing with Chinese companies in Europe. Asked whether EU countries should restrict partnerships with Huawei, Mr. Ansip said that he would not give such recommendations but would rather ask all the governments to deal with the risk assessment in a very serious way. What is your comment?
A: We have noted that recently some people in certain countries have been saying that Chinese high-tech companies MAY pose threats to their national security, but none of them have yet to produce any convincing evidence on how their national security has been affected. It is unfair to obstruct normal operations of certain businesses of certain countries just out of speculations. Such a move is contrary to the fundamental principles and the relevant rules of the WTO. It could also add uncertainties to the business environment of their own country and affect foreign investors' confidence.
We are opposed to the relevant parties' one-sided interpretation of Chinese laws and regulations, and their attempt to force a link with Chinese high-tech companies. Chinese laws and regulations never give any institution the mandate to force companies to build "mandatory back doors". Such actions have never happened. Cyber-security is a shared concern of all mankind. It can only be preserved through joint efforts on the basis of openness, transparency and trust.
China and the EU are comprehensive strategic partners. Both sides uphold multilateralism and the rules-based global order. The Chinese government always encourages Chinese enterprises to follow international rules and abide by local laws when conducting economic cooperation with other countries. We hope that the EU will take a rational and objective approach, observe the principles of openness, fair play and free competition, continue to provide a level-playing field for economic and scientific cooperation and avoid any exclusionary and discriminatory practices.