Vietnam’s 5G Agreements with Huawei and ZTE Prompt US Concerns

Vietnamese telecommunications companies have inked deals with Chinese vendors Huawei and ZTE for their next-generation 5G networks, which has sparked significant concerns among the United States.

The partnerships between Vietnamese carriers such as Viettel and MobiFone with China’s leading telecom firms Huawei and ZTE mark a major step in Vietnam’s push towards advanced mobile connectivity. The US government, however, remains wary of these agreements, citing national security risks associated with equipment from Chinese manufacturers.

According to reports, the deals include extensive hardware and software solutions for building out 5G infrastructure across the country. Huawei and ZTE are known for their expertise in telecommunications technology and have a strong presence globally despite ongoing tensions with certain Western countries over cybersecurity issues.

The US has repeatedly urged its allies and partners not to use equipment from these companies due to fears of potential espionage or backdoors that could be exploited by foreign entities. Vietnam’s decision, therefore, places it at odds with the stance taken by many other nations who have followed Washington’s lead in restricting Chinese tech giants.

Despite US concerns, Vietnamese officials maintain their commitment to diversifying suppliers and advancing technological development within their own borders, prioritizing local needs over geopolitical pressures.