LONDON (UK) – UK’s business minister said on Tuesday that the country can remain a popular foreign investment hub and at the same time stand up for its values. This comes after China warned Britain that dispute over Huawei could lead to “consequences”.
Ties between the UK and China strained after London joined Washington in slamming the new security law imposed on Hong Kong. It was further strained when the UK announced that it could reverse a decision on employing Huawei kit in its proposed 5G network.
China’s ambassador to the UK Liu Xiaoming said on Monday his country’s business community was watching the decision over Huawei, adding that the UK risked tarnishing its reputation as an investor-friendly country.
“I don’t think there’s any inconsistency in welcoming inward investment and at the same time standing up for the UK’s values and interests and our security,” said business minister Alok Sharma.
The UK allowed Huawei a limited role in its future 5G networks in January. But ministers made it clear that the firm could no longer be a reliable supplier in the wake of US sanctions.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field