China plans to fight back if India blocks HUAWEI

According to Reuters, China will play hardball with India if the latter ultimately blocks Huawei.

The issue reportedly came about due to India’s upcoming 5G trials. The country has not yet decided whether to invite HUAWEI to take part in the trials. Vikram Misri, India’s ambassador to China, was then reportedly called to the Chinese foreign ministry in response to India’s lack of a decision.

During the meeting, Chinese officials reportedly talked with Misri about the U.S. trying to keep HUAWEI out of 5G infrastructure worldwide. The officials also said there would be “reverse sanctions” on Indian firms doing business in China if India blocks HUAWEI due to pressure from the U.S.

Also read: HUAWEI and Google planned to sell a product in the US, but Trump ban happened

In a statement sent to Reuters, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said the country hopes India will make an independent decision on its 5G trials:

HUAWEI has carried out operations in India for a long time, and has made contributions to the development of Indian society and the economy that is clear to all. On the issue of Chinese enterprises participating in the construction of India’s 5G, we hope the Indian side makes an independent and objective decision, and provides a fair, just and non-discriminatory commercial environment for Chinese enterprises’ investment and operations, to realize mutual benefit.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), widely regarded as the parent organization of ruling party Bharatiya Janata Party in India, said it’s unsure of “relying on HUAWEI.” It also brought up the allegations against HUAWEI of trying to “position themselves and their establishment back home to snoop and enable them to shut remotely, if required be.”

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is a member of the two aforementioned groups, will host China President Xi Jinping in October.