CCCEU position on EU and member states enforcing 5G security toolbox
The China Chamber of Commerce to the EU and its members are increasingly perturbed about the strategic and technical measures taken by some EU member states in recently enforcing the 5G security toolbox following an administrative directive of the European Commission.
Instead of using evidence-based technical criteria, some EU member countries have targeted technology suppliers from non-EU countries and even listed them as high-risk. It is unacceptable to divide the businesses in Europe into EU or non-EU groups based on their origination of parent company and use it as a criteria of market access.
Some of our members and their partners have serious complaints because the actions have led to mounting uncertainties and a threat to their existence in European markets. We are also quite concerned that the approach on 5G security by the EU will further have seriously negative consequences on the market and the investment ecosystem.
Due to great progress, we are proud of the many excellent Chinese multinationals which are contributing to global prosperity by offering vast employment opportunities. They are no different from the American, European, other Asian or African businesses. For example, Huawei and ZTE, two leading Chinese 5G equipment providers have created about 20,000 direct jobs in Europe and those indirect jobs amount up to 300,000.
To achieve the combined 5G goals of ensuring absolute security, maintaining competitiveness and promoting the sustainability and diversity of the 5G supply and value chain in EU digital transformation, the EU can move fast and far with China, given its tech-sophistication, long-term partnership between Chinese and European market players, massive and deep penetration in modern economy, and China's openness in future R&D with the EU.