U.S. sanctions targeting Huawei Technologies Co. have had no immediate impact on its ability to supply 5G equipment to Britain, a senior company executive said Wednesday, calling for more time to understand the full repercussions of the restrictions. Huawei vice president Victor Zhang said it would take months to establish the impact of the U.S. measures announced in May, which aim to cripple the firm’s ability to source the advanced microchips needed to make its telecom equipment. “These restrictions actually haven’t had an impact on Huawei’s capability to supply to the U.K.’s 5G and fiber solution at this moment,” Zhang told reporters on a call. “We need to talk about the long-term impact, it takes time, it takes months.” Britain granted Huawei a limited role in its future 5G networks in January, but ministers have since said the U.S. sanctions could have a significant impact on its ability to securely supply crucial pieces of networking equipment. U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, under pressure from the United States and lawmakers in his own party to ban Huawei over security concerns, is expected to make a decision on whether to further restrict the firm by the end of the month. Zhang said British officials should think carefully before making what he called a “critical long-term decision.” “We believe it is important to wait until all the facts and implications are known,” he said. “Now is not the time to be hasty in making such a crucial decision about Huawei.” (SD-Agencies) |