Huawei warns further restrictions could prompt it to move technology “where we are welcomed”

Chinese smartphone giant Huawei said that it would move its technology to countries “where we are welcomed” if it continues to face restrictions.

Many Western governments have scrutinized the company amid concerns that its technology could be misused for espionage.

US officials have warned that Huawei-made telecommunications equipment may be designed to allow unauthorized access by the Chinese government.

Last year, Huawei and ZTE technology were largely be banned from use by the US government and government contractors.

Germany is also considering restricting the firm from accessing its next generation mobile phone network on national security grounds.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Liang Hua, chairman of the telecommunications equipment provider, said Western governments are welcome to visit Huawei’s facilities in China if they had concerns about the technology potentially being misused.

“We do not pose a threat to a future digital society,” Liang said.

According to the BBC, Mr Liang told reporters that if Huawei faced more restrictions operating in some countries, “we would transfer the technology partnership to countries where we are welcomed and where we can have collaboration with”.

Liang added: “We offer better services to our customers on 5G. It is the customers’ choice if they don’t choose Huawei and we will focus our efforts on those customers who do choose us.”

Huawei CFO Meng’s case

In December, Huawei vice-chairwoman and CFO Meng Wanzhou, daughter of company founder Ren Zhengfei, was arrested in Canada at faces extradition to the US over allegations of violating sanctions against Iran.

Mr Liang said Huawei was seeking a “quick conclusion” to the case, so that Ms Meng could regain “her personal freedom”.