Brazil’s government has backed the United States’ Clean Network proposal to build a global digital alliance for fifth-generation (5G) telecommunications that excludes technology that Washington sees as manipulated by China, such as that of Huawei.
The adherence came during a visit by Keith Krach, U.S. under secretary of state for economic growth, energy and environment, who has advised Brazil not to buy 5G telecommunications network equipment from China’s Huawei Technologies Co Ltd.
“Brazil supports the principles contained in the Clean Network proposal made by the United States,” said a joint U.S.-Brazil statement issued after Krach met with Brazilian foreign ministry officials.
The initiative is “aimed at promoting, in the context of 5G and other new technologies, a safe and transparent environment compatible with democratic values and fundamental freedoms,” it said.
In Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday said almost 50 countries, 170 telephone firms and many of the world’s leading companies have signed on to the Clean Network.
“It includes 27 of 30 NATO allies, 31 of 37 OECD members, 26 of 27 EU members, and 11 of 12 of the Three Seas nations,” Pompeo said.
Huawei has repeatedly denied being a security risk. It has said it abides by Brazil’s laws and is available for tests and clarifications that authorities considered necessary.
The U.S. government recently stepped up an offensive to keep China’s Huawei Technologies out of Brazil’s 5G market, by offering to finance purchases by Brazilian telecom companies of equipment from its competitors.
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