Huawei exec to US: No evidence Huawei is a security threat

Technology firm Huawei has called on the US government to stop its state-sanctioned campaign against the company, saying that the move "will not deliver cybersecurity."

"Banning Huawei using cybersecurity as an excuse will do nothing to make networks more secure. They provide a false sense of security and distract attention from the real challenges we face," Song Liuping, Huawei's chief legal officer, said in a press statement.

Liuping’s statement was read by Huawei Philippines public affairs head Karrie Buenafe to reporters who attended a forum in Quezon City.

Huawei has filed a motion for summary judgement as part of its move to challenge the constitutionality of Section 889 of the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

A Reuters report stated that the law, which was passed by the US Congress, places a broad ban on federal agencies and their contractors from using Huawei equipment on national security grounds, citing its ties with the Chinese government.

In the said motion, Huawei argued that the Section 889 of the NDAA "singles out" Huawei by name and not only bars US government agencies from buying equipment and services, but also prohibiting them from contracting with or awarding grants or loans to third parties that patronize Huawei products.

According to Liuping, US politicians are using the strength of the entire nation to come after a private technology firm.

"The US government has provided no evidence to show that Huawei is a security threat. There is no gun, no smoke. Only speculation," Liuping said.

"This sets a dangerous precedent. Today it’s telecoms and Huawei, tomorrow it could be your industry, your company, your consumers," he added.

Liuping expressed hope that "mistakes" in the NDAA would be corrected by the court, adding that the US should take the right approach and adopt honest and effective measures in enhancing cybersecurity.

"The judicial system is the last line of defense for justice. Huawei has confidence in the independence and integrity of the US judicial system," Liuping said.

A hearing on the said motion is scheduled on September 18. — RSJ, GMA News