Defiant to US Pressures, Huawei Talks to Google

The founder of Huawei expected that Washington's curbs on sales to the Chinese tech giant will have little impact, dislcosing that his company is discussing "emergency relief" with Google for possible loss of services for its smartphone business, AP reported.

Huawei Technologies Ltd., the biggest maker of network gear for phone carriers, has "supply backups" if it loses access to American components, Ren Zhengfei told Chinese reporters. His comments were broadcast by state TV and other outlets.

The White House ordered last week to increase pressure on Huawei, as for  American officials, Huawei and other Chinese telecom equipment vendors are a security risk because it has strong relation with the ruling Communist Party. Huawei denies accusations it facilitates Chinese spying.

According to AP, Huawei has developed its own chips for some smartphones and other products but relies on American suppliers for its most advanced components.

Huawei and Google are discussing possible "emergency relief measures" for its smartphone business, which might lose access to some of the American company's services, Ren said. He gave no details.

Huawei is the No. 2 global smartphone brand but relies on Google's Android operating system and U.S. components suppliers.

Google, a unit of Alphabet Inc., said Monday its basic services still will work on Huawei smartphones, which use its Android operating system.

Google gave no details of what services might be curtailed, but the company would be barred from transferring hardware or software directly to Huawei, which would affect maps or other services that require the American company's support.

Officially, a foreign ministry spokesman in Beijing, accused Washington of misusing "state power" to hurt foreign companies and interfere in commercial markets.

"The Chinese government has determination and ability to safeguard its legitimate and lawful rights and interests," said the spokesman, Lu Kang.

Washington has tried to persuade U.S. allies to shun Huawei as a supplier of next-generation, or 5G, communications technology. Australia, Taiwan and some other governments have imposed curbs on use of Huawei technology, but Germany, France and other countries still do business with the company.