China’s envoy to Canada has warned Ottawa on Thursday that if it banned Huawei technologies co limited from participating and supplying its equipment to Canadian 5G network, then there would be repercussions, the latest blast leading to deepening both countries bilateral dispute.
According to Reuters news reports, while speaking at a news conference, Chinese ambassador Lu Shaye did not disclose any details over the matter. Canada is currently studying the security implications of 5G networks.
While urging Ottawa to “make a wise decision on this issue”, Lu said, “If the Canadian government does ban Huawei from participating in the 5G network, then as for what kind of repercussion there will be, I’m not sure, but I believe there will be repercussions.”
Relations between Canada and China has turned icy since the last month after the Canadian authority detained China’s Huawei’s chief executive officer (CFO) Meng Wanzhou over the request of the United States for her extradition.
After Meng’s arrest, China subsequently arrested two Canadian citizens, and this month a Chinese court order death penalty to another Canadian man accused of drug trafficking.
Lu said, “If Canada has a sincerity of resolving these issues, then Canada will not do such things. We hope Canada thinks twice before making any actions.”
Lu said when Canadian foreign minister Chrystia Freeland will attend the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, next week, Freeland should avoid “microphone diplomacy”.
On the sidelines of a cabinet retreat in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Freeland told reporters, “We will continue to speak every day with our allies about this situation.” However, Freeland refused to provide any details over their reviews into 5G technology.