Huawei

In October 2012, Huawei became the subject of an investigation by the US Congress over concerns related to national security. The U.S. House Intelligence Committee released a report warning against using Huawei's telecommunications equipment out of fear that it could be exploited by the Chinese government for espionage. The report significantly impacted Huawei's business operations and public perception outside of China.

Meng Wanzhou, Huawei's Chief Financial Officer and daughter of the company's founder, was arrested in Canada at the request of the United States on December 1, 2018. The arrest was part of an investigation into whether Huawei had violated US sanctions against Iran. This event strained US-China and Canada-China relations and highlighted ongoing concerns about Huawei's business practices and ties to the Chinese government. Meng's arrest led to significant diplomatic tensions and legal battles.

On May 15, 2019, the United States government added Huawei to its Entity List, effectively banning the company from acquiring technology and components from US companies without government approval. This move was a significant escalation in the trade war between the US and China and put immense pressure on Huawei's global operations, as it relied heavily on American technology. This blacklist impacted Huawei's ability to produce and sell its products internationally, leading to widespread industry and political reactions.

On July 14, 2020, the UK government announced the decision to ban Huawei from its 5G network. Telecom carriers in the UK were given until 2027 to remove all Huawei equipment from their 5G networks. This decision was based on security concerns and increasing pressure from the United States to restrict Huawei's role in 5G infrastructure, amidst fears that Huawei's involvement could compromise national security by allowing Chinese government access to sensitive data and networks.

On August 17, 2020, the United States tightened its restrictions on Huawei by further restricting its access to commercially available chips made with American technology. The US Department of Commerce expanded the foreign-produced direct product rule, which prevented Huawei from purchasing semiconductors directly from US companies or indirectly through third-party suppliers. This was part of a broader effort to limit Huawei's technological capabilities and inhibit its competitive position in the telecommunications sector.

After nearly three years under house arrest in Canada, Meng Wanzhou was released on September 24, 2021, following a deal struck between the US Justice Department and Huawei. The agreement, known as a deferred prosecution agreement, allowed Meng to return to China after admitting to some wrongdoing while the US deferred pursuing charges for a specified period. This event marked a significant development in the complex geopolitical tensions between China, Canada, and the United States, tied to Huawei's global operations and controversies.

Huawei introduced HarmonyOS as an alternative operating system to Android on October 25, 2021. This launch was part of Huawei's strategy to become independent of US technology amidst ongoing restrictions. HarmonyOS is designed to operate across a variety of devices, from smartphones to home appliances, aiming to foster an ecosystem that reduces reliance on international technology firms and builds resilience to future technological and geopolitical challenges, reflecting Huawei's adaptive industry strategies.

On December 5, 2021, Huawei announced a collaboration with Russian telecommunications company MTS to develop 5G networks in Russia. This partnership signaled Huawei's strategic pivot to non-western markets in response to international restrictions. The collaboration also highlighted the avenues for technological partnerships amid geopolitical tensions, showcasing Huawei's efforts to sustain its global telecommunications influence and market presence, particularly focusing on Russia's growing tech infrastructure needs.

On March 31, 2023, Huawei announced a significant breakthrough in semiconductor technology, revealing its own production process that reduces its dependence on US semiconductor technology. This development was part of Huawei's ongoing efforts to circumvent US restrictions and enhance its self-sufficiency in core technologies. The breakthrough positioned Huawei as a leading tech innovator amidst international political and economic pressures, showcasing the company's commitment to advancing technology independently.

On July 27, 2023, Huawei and Ericsson, two of the world's leading telecom companies, signed a global patent cross-licensing agreement. This agreement allows both companies to access and use each other's patented technologies, promoting innovation and development within the telecommunications industry. The deal was seen as a major collaborative step between two historical competitors, aiming to strengthen their global market positions and facilitate technological advancements despite broader economic tensions.