FILE PHOTO: A smartphone with the Huawei network logo and 5G is seen on a PC motherboard in this illustrated image taken on January 29, 2020. REUTERS / Dado Ruvic / Illustration / File Photo
TOKYO (Reuters) – The British government asked Japan to help build its 5G wireless networks without Huawei Technologies, Nikkei said on Sunday, one more step in a global technology and security war between the United States and China.
Great Britain appointed NEC Corp (6701.T) and Fujitsu Ltd (6702.T) as possible alternative suppliers to Huawei, the business reported daily, without citing sources.
British officials met with their counterparts in Tokyo on Thursday, two days after Britain ordered the purge of Huawei equipment from its 5G networks in late 2027, the Nikkei said.
As Britain prepares to leave the European Union, fear of Huawei security has forced Prime Minister Johnson to choose between the United States and China, weighing a critical alliance against billions in investment.
Nikkei said the latest move reflects Britain’s effort to attract new equipment providers to foster competition and help reduce costs for the country’s wireless operators.
The British embassy in Tokyo and Fujitsu did not immediately respond to inquiries by email or text message on Sunday. The Japanese Cabinet Secretariat and NEC did not answer calls. Huawei and the Chinese Foreign Ministry did not immediately comment.
British digital minister Oliver Dowden said last week that Britain was working with its allies to foster stronger rivals for Huawei, naming companies from Finland, Sweden, South Korea and Japan.
Makiko Yamazaki’s report in Tokyo; Additional reports by David Kirton in Shenzhen and Ryan Woo in Beijing; Editing by William Mallard
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