The German cabinet will hold a secret session on Wednesday to discuss safeguard measures regarding the possible <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-should-stop-unreasonable-suppression-of-huawei-china-193706">participation of China's Huawei </a>Technologies in building Germany's 5G network, the daily Handelsblatt said, citing government sources.

Huawei faces international scrutiny over its ties with the Chinese government and suspicion that Beijing could use Huawei's technology for spying, which the company denies.

Wednesday's meeting will focus on whether a security catalogue, prepared by the Federal Network Agency and the cyber defence agency (BSI), along with certification rules and a no-spy agreement with China, will be enough to ensure future 5G mobile networks are safe, the paper said.

The session, to be held after the regular cabinet meeting, and attended by the German foreign, interior, economy, finance, and transport ministers, will discuss measures proposed last week by Deutsche Telekom to safeguard national security, the paper said.

On Tuesday, Chancellor Angela Merkel said Germany needed guarantees that Huawei would not hand over data to the Chinese state before the telecoms equipment supplier can participate in building its 5G network.

The German cabinet will hold a secret session on Wednesday to discuss safeguard measures regarding the possible participation of China's Huawei Technologies in building Germany's 5G network, the daily Handelsblatt said, citing government sources.

The German cabinet will hold a secret session on Wednesday to discuss safeguard measures regarding the possible participation of China's Huawei Technologies in building Germany's 5G network, the daily Handelsblatt said, citing government sources. Huawei faces international scrutiny over its ties with the Chinese government and suspicion that Beijing could use Huawei's technology for spying, which the company denies. Wednesday's meeting will focus on whether a security catalogue, prepared by the Federal Network Agency and the cyber defence agency (BSI), along with certification rules and a no-spy agreement with China, will be enough to ensure future 5G mobile networks are safe, the paper said. The session, to be held after the regular cabinet meeting, and attended by the German foreign, interior, economy, finance, and transport ministers, will discuss measures proposed last week by Deutsche Telekom to safeguard national security, the paper said. On Tuesday, Chancellor Angela Merkel said Germany needed guarantees that Huawei would not hand over data to the Chinese state before the telecoms equipment supplier can participate in building its 5G network.

German cabinet to hold secret session on Huawei's role in 5G network: Report

Huawei executive <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-pursue-extradition-of-huaweis-meng-wanzhou-confirms-us-justice-department-192267">Meng Wanzhou</a>, who was arrested in Canada and faces possible extradition to the United States, is exploring a defence that claims US&nbsp;charges against her are politically motivated, the Globe and Mail newspaper reported on Monday.

Meng, the chief financial officer of China's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/european-telecoms-dilemma-huawei-or-the-highway-194704">Huawei Technologies</a> Co Ltd, is the central figure in a high-stakes dispute between the United States and China. Canada arrested Meng in December at the request of the United States and last month she was charged with wire fraud that violated US&nbsp;sanctions on Iran.

"The political overlay of this case is remarkable," Richard Peck, lead counsel for Meng, told the Toronto newspaper in a telephone interview.

"That's probably the one thing that sets it apart from any other extradition case I've ever seen. It's got this cloud of politicization hanging over it," Peck added.

The office of Canadian Justice Minister David Lametti said it could not speculate on Meng's possible defences.

"We are committed to a fair process unfolding before the courts and the steps undertaken by the Department of Justice Canada on this case have followed due process, in accordance with the Extradition Act, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and our Treaty with the United States," a spokeswoman for Canada's Department of Justice said in an e-mailed statement.

Peck's office did not respond to a request for comment. A Huawei spokesman declined to comment.

In December, US President Donald Trump said in a Reuters interview he would intervene in the Justice Department's case against Meng if it would serve national security interests or help close a trade deal with China.

Canada fired John McCallum, its ambassador to China, in January after he said Meng could make a strong argument against being sent to the United States.

"He [Mr McCallum] mentions some of the potential defences - and certainly, I think any person that knows this area would see the potential for those defences arising," Peck told the Globe and Mail.

Meng's lawyers are also planning to challenge whether her alleged conduct would be deemed criminal under Canadian law, the Globe and Mail said.

Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, who was arrested in Canada and faces possible extradition to the United States, is exploring a defence that claims US charges against her are politically motivated, the Globe and Mail newspaper reported on Monday.

Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, who was arrested in Canada and faces possible extradition to the United States, is exploring a defence that claims US charges against her are politically motivated, the Globe and Mail newspaper reported on Monday. Meng, the chief financial officer of China's Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, is the central figure in a high-stakes dispute between the United States and China. Canada arrested Meng in December at the request of the United States and last month she was charged with wire fraud that violated US sanctions on Iran. "The political overlay of this case is remarkable," Richard Peck, lead counsel for Meng, told the Toronto newspaper in a telephone interview. "That's probably the one thing that sets it apart from any other extradition case I've ever seen. It's got this cloud of politicization hanging over it," Peck added. The office of Canadian Justice Minister David Lametti said it could not speculate on Meng's possible defences. "We are committed to a fair process unfolding before the courts and the steps undertaken by the Department of Justice Canada on this case have followed due process, in accordance with the Extradition Act, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and our Treaty with the United States," a spokeswoman for Canada's Department of Justice said in an e-mailed statement. Peck's office did not respond to a request for comment. A Huawei spokesman declined to comment. In December, US President Donald Trump said in a Reuters interview he would intervene in the Justice Department's case against Meng if it would serve national security interests or help close a trade deal with China. Canada fired John McCallum, its ambassador to China, in January after he said Meng could make a strong argument against being sent to the United States. "He [Mr McCallum] mentions some of the potential defences - and certainly, I think any person that knows this area would see the potential for those defences arising," Peck told the Globe and Mail. Meng's lawyers are also planning to challenge whether her alleged conduct would be deemed criminal under Canadian law, the Globe and Mail said.

Huawei CFO Wanzhou may fight extradition by claiming US political motive: Report

It's a dilemma for European telecoms firms: Should they steal a march on competitors and rapidly roll out next-generation 5G mobile networks using equipment from top supplier Huawei? Or should they heed<a href="http://www.wionews.com/americas/united-states-formally-charges-chinas-huawei-with-bank-fraud-stealing-trade-secrets-193545"> US-led warnings of security threats </a>and sit tight, and possibly fall behind?

Getting it right will have big consequences as 5G networks are the next milestone in the digital revolution, bringing near-instantaneous connectivity, vast data capacity and futuristic technologies.

No operator wants to be left behind, and neither do governments who see 5G technology as a future key driver of economic growth.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/czech-tax-tender-excludes-chinas-huawei-after-security-warning-193921">China's Huawei</a> has quietly become a leading supplier of the backbone equipment for mobile networks, particularly in developing markets thanks to cheaper prices.

Spearheading cutting-edge 5G equipment has also seen it make inroads into developed markets.

However, a growing number of Western states are turning their backs on Huawei, fearful that its equipment could be a Trojan horse for Beijing's intrusive security apparatus as<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-lawmakers-introduce-bipartisan-bills-targeting-chinas-huawei-and-zte-190862"> Chinese laws </a>require its firms to cooperate with intelligence services.

Huawei strenuously denies its equipment could be used for espionage.

While most European governments are trying to make up their minds, mobile operators must make their own choice, and it's a tough one.

Several operators have already begun tests with Huawei equipment, such as Bouygues Telecom and SFR have in several French cities.

"Huawei is today more expensive than its rivals but it is also much better, they have really moved ahead in terms of quality of network equipment over their European competitors," said an executive of one European mobile operator recently on condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

Experts say Huawei is between six months and one year ahead of Sweden's Ericsson in terms of the quality of its 5G equipment.

The number two mobile network equipment manufacturer, Finland's Nokia, is said to be even further behind.

5G leader

"Many want to avoid the Chinese but they are currently the most advanced in the area," said Victor Marcais, a telecoms and media specialist at Roland Berger consultancy.

"Huawei has moved in the past few years from being the 'low cost' option to becoming the 5G leader."

Several sources said that Huawei even helped Nokia in research and development to avoid facing off alone against Ericsson in 5G.

Huawei would only say that it has "long-term partnerships" with several of its competitors in areas such as production methods, standards and patents.

"We have always defended the principle of open innovation and collaboration to facilitate the development of the telecoms industry," a Huawei spokesman said.

After establishing itself as a player on 4G networks, the Shenzhen-based group has doubled down to dominate 5G.

Each year it invests between 10 and 15 per cent of its sales revenue on research and development. It spent $13.8 billion on R&amp;D in 2017 and $15 billion last year.

The strategy is paying dividends.&nbsp;

In 2017 Huawei was by far the number one supplier of equipment for telecom networks, with a 22 per cent market share, according to IHS Markit. Nokia trailed with a 13 per cent share and Ericsson with 11 per cent.

That gap could grow as more operators across the world develop 5G networks, although the current geopolitical tensions pose a risk to Huawei exploiting its technological lead.

European ambitions

European nations, like those in Asia and the United States, want a rapid rollout of 5G with the first services expected to be running next year. A target that is difficult to attain without recourse to Huawei.

"The regulators and governments have quite ambitious timetables while the operators see 5G as a way to reduce costs per gigabyte as data volumes explode," said Marcais at Roland Berger.

"However we see in Germany, for example, they aren't happy the way things are shaping up."

Deutsche Telekom, in an internal document obtained by Bloomberg, warned that Europe could fall behind China and the United States by as much as two years if it forgoes using Huawei's 5G equipment.&nbsp;

It's a dilemma for European telecoms firms: Should they steal a march on competitors and rapidly roll out next-generation 5G mobile networks using equipment from top supplier Huawei?

It's a dilemma for European telecoms firms: Should they steal a march on competitors and rapidly roll out next-generation 5G mobile networks using equipment from top supplier Huawei? Or should they heed US-led warnings of security threats and sit tight, and possibly fall behind? Getting it right will have big consequences as 5G networks are the next milestone in the digital revolution, bringing near-instantaneous connectivity, vast data capacity and futuristic technologies. No operator wants to be left behind, and neither do governments who see 5G technology as a future key driver of economic growth. China's Huawei has quietly become a leading supplier of the backbone equipment for mobile networks, particularly in developing markets thanks to cheaper prices. Spearheading cutting-edge 5G equipment has also seen it make inroads into developed markets. However, a growing number of Western states are turning their backs on Huawei, fearful that its equipment could be a Trojan horse for Beijing's intrusive security apparatus as Chinese laws require its firms to cooperate with intelligence services. Huawei strenuously denies its equipment could be used for espionage. While most European governments are trying to make up their minds, mobile operators must make their own choice, and it's a tough one. Several operators have already begun tests with Huawei equipment, such as Bouygues Telecom and SFR have in several French cities. "Huawei is today more expensive than its rivals but it is also much better, they have really moved ahead in terms of quality of network equipment over their European competitors," said an executive of one European mobile operator recently on condition of anonymity. Experts say Huawei is between six months and one year ahead of Sweden's Ericsson in terms of the quality of its 5G equipment. The number two mobile network equipment manufacturer, Finland's Nokia, is said to be even further behind. 5G leader "Many want to avoid the Chinese but they are currently the most advanced in the area," said Victor Marcais, a telecoms and media specialist at Roland Berger consultancy. "Huawei has moved in the past few years from being the 'low cost' option to becoming the 5G leader." Several sources said that Huawei even helped Nokia in research and development to avoid facing off alone against Ericsson in 5G. Huawei would only say that it has "long-term partnerships" with several of its competitors in areas such as production methods, standards and patents. "We have always defended the principle of open innovation and collaboration to facilitate the development of the telecoms industry," a Huawei spokesman said. After establishing itself as a player on 4G networks, the Shenzhen-based group has doubled down to dominate 5G. Each year it invests between 10 and 15 per cent of its sales revenue on research and development. It spent $13.8 billion on R&D in 2017 and $15 billion last year. The strategy is paying dividends. In 2017 Huawei was by far the number one supplier of equipment for telecom networks, with a 22 per cent market share, according to IHS Markit. Nokia trailed with a 13 per cent share and Ericsson with 11 per cent. That gap could grow as more operators across the world develop 5G networks, although the current geopolitical tensions pose a risk to Huawei exploiting its technological lead. European ambitions European nations, like those in Asia and the United States, want a rapid rollout of 5G with the first services expected to be running next year. A target that is difficult to attain without recourse to Huawei. "The regulators and governments have quite ambitious timetables while the operators see 5G as a way to reduce costs per gigabyte as data volumes explode," said Marcais at Roland Berger. "However we see in Germany, for example, they aren't happy the way things are shaping up." Deutsche Telekom, in an internal document obtained by Bloomberg, warned that Europe could fall behind China and the United States by as much as two years if it forgoes using Huawei's 5G equipment.

European telecoms' dilemma: Huawei or the highway?

China's Huawei has been excluded from a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/americas/united-states-formally-charges-chinas-huawei-with-bank-fraud-stealing-trade-secrets-193545">Czech tender </a>to build a tax portal after the country's cyber watchdog warned of possible security threats posed by the telecoms supplier, documents showed on Wednesday.

Huawei faces international scrutiny over its ties with the Chinese government and allegations that Beijing could use Huawei's technology for spying, which the company denies.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-lawmakers-introduce-bipartisan-bills-targeting-chinas-huawei-and-zte-190862">US Justice Department</a> has charged Huawei with conspiring to violate US sanctions on Iran and with stealing robotic technology from T-Mobile US Inc.

The Czech Finance Ministry amended a tender for a new tax portal for filing returns, documentation on online registries showed.

The ministry said the tender could "not allow producers that are subject to a current warning by the NUKIB," referring to the Czech cyber security agency.

The agency in December warned network operators and other key institutions against using software or hardware made by Huawei or China's ZTE, saying they may pose a security threat.

"A warning from (NUKIB) is by law binding for the Financial Administration and we are obligated to carry it out," a spokesman for the Finance Ministry's General Financial Directorate said.

The tender is valued at 500 million crowns ($22 million) according to the Mlada Fronta Dnes daily newspaper which first reported Huawei's exclusion.

A NUKIB warning does not constitute an outright ban but requires 160 public and private operators of critical infrastructure to conduct an analysis of risks and act accordingly.

Huawei had been seen as a favourite in the tax portal tender. A local Huawei representative could not immediately comment.

Huawei's products have so far not been banned or excluded from planned upgrades of Czech mobile networks to next-generation 5G technology.

The company has already started testing some networks with Vodafone and testing MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output) technology with T-Mobile.

Last November Huawei signed a memorandum of understanding on testing 5G solutions with investment group PPF.

PPF controls Czech and Slovak operator O2 Czech Republic, Czech network provider CETIN and last year bought Telenor's mobile operations in Bulgaria, Hungary, Montenegro and Serbia.

Huawei has been publicly backed by Czech President Milos Zeman, who has long promoted close cooperation with China, while Prime Minister Andrej Babis has called for a debate on cyber security at the European Union level.

($1 = 22.5380 Czech crowns)

China's Huawei has been excluded from a Czech tender to build a tax portal after the country's cyber watchdog warned of possible security threats posed by the telecoms supplier, documents showed on Wednesday.

China's Huawei has been excluded from a Czech tender to build a tax portal after the country's cyber watchdog warned of possible security threats posed by the telecoms supplier, documents showed on Wednesday. Huawei faces international scrutiny over its ties with the Chinese government and allegations that Beijing could use Huawei's technology for spying, which the company denies. The US Justice Department has charged Huawei with conspiring to violate US sanctions on Iran and with stealing robotic technology from T-Mobile US Inc. The Czech Finance Ministry amended a tender for a new tax portal for filing returns, documentation on online registries showed. The ministry said the tender could "not allow producers that are subject to a current warning by the NUKIB," referring to the Czech cyber security agency. The agency in December warned network operators and other key institutions against using software or hardware made by Huawei or China's ZTE, saying they may pose a security threat. "A warning from (NUKIB) is by law binding for the Financial Administration and we are obligated to carry it out," a spokesman for the Finance Ministry's General Financial Directorate said. The tender is valued at 500 million crowns ($22 million) according to the Mlada Fronta Dnes daily newspaper which first reported Huawei's exclusion. A NUKIB warning does not constitute an outright ban but requires 160 public and private operators of critical infrastructure to conduct an analysis of risks and act accordingly. Huawei had been seen as a favourite in the tax portal tender. A local Huawei representative could not immediately comment. Huawei's products have so far not been banned or excluded from planned upgrades of Czech mobile networks to next-generation 5G technology. The company has already started testing some networks with Vodafone and testing MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output) technology with T-Mobile. Last November Huawei signed a memorandum of understanding on testing 5G solutions with investment group PPF. PPF controls Czech and Slovak operator O2 Czech Republic, Czech network provider CETIN and last year bought Telenor's mobile operations in Bulgaria, Hungary, Montenegro and Serbia. Huawei has been publicly backed by Czech President Milos Zeman, who has long promoted close cooperation with China, while Prime Minister Andrej Babis has called for a debate on cyber security at the European Union level. ($1 = 22.5380 Czech crowns)

Czech tax tender excludes China's Huawei after security warning

The United States on Monday charged China's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-tells-canada-to-free-huawei-cfo-or-face-consequences-182513">Huawei Technologies</a> Co Ltd, its chief financial officer and two affiliates with&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-cfo-arrested-in-canada-faces-extradition-to-us-181757">bank and wire fraud</a>&nbsp;to violate sanctions against Iran in a case that has escalated tensions with Beijing.

In a 13-count indictment filed in New York, the Justice Department said Huawei misled a global bank and US authorities about its relationship with the subsidiaries, Skycom Tech and Huawei Device USA Inc, in order to conduct business in Iran.

In a separate case, the Justice Department also accused two Huawei subsidiaries of 10 counts of stealing trade secrets, wire fraud and obstructing justice for allegedly stealing robotic technology from carrier T-Mobile US Inc to test smartphones'&nbsp;durability. Those charges were filed in the western district of Washington state.

Huawei did not respond to requests for comments on the charges.

T-Mobile had accused Huawei of stealing the technology, called "Tappy," which mimicked human fingers and was used to test smartphones. Huawei has said that the two companies settled their disputes in 2017.

The charges in both cases add to US pressure on Huawei, the world`s biggest telecommunications equipment maker.

The Trump administration is trying to prevent American companies from buying Huawei routers and switches and pressing allies to do the same. US&nbsp;security experts are concerned that the equipment could be used to spy on the United States.

At Washington's request, Huawei's chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, was arrested in Canada in December and is now fighting extradition to the United States.

US authorities accuse Meng of playing a lead role in the scheme to use subsidiaries to conduct business in Iran in violation of US&nbsp;sanctions against Tehran.

Meng, who has denied the charges, is currently in Vancouver, staying in one of her family`s homes, as she awaits a decision from a Canadian court on the US&nbsp;extradition request.

The arrest of Meng, who is the daughter of Huawei's founder, Ren Zhengfei, ratcheted up tensions with China, which responded by arresting two Canadians on national security grounds.

Ren denies his company's products would be used by the Chinese government to spy.

The charges announced on Monday come just days before US-China trade talks are set to resume in Washington, although Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said the two cases are "wholly separate" from the trade negotiations.

FBI Director Christopher Wray said the cases "expose Huawei’s brazen and persistent actions to exploit American companies and financial institutions, and to threaten the free and fair global marketplace.”

He said that he is concerned about Huawei devices in US&nbsp;telecommunications networks. “That kind of access could give a foreign government the capacity to maliciously modify or steal information, conduct undetected espionage, or exert pressure or control."

The United States on Monday charged China's Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, its chief financial officer and two affiliates with bank and wire fraud to violate sanctions against Iran in a case that has escalated tensions with Beijing.

The United States on Monday charged China's Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, its chief financial officer and two affiliates with bank and wire fraud to violate sanctions against Iran in a case that has escalated tensions with Beijing. In a 13-count indictment filed in New York, the Justice Department said Huawei misled a global bank and US authorities about its relationship with the subsidiaries, Skycom Tech and Huawei Device USA Inc, in order to conduct business in Iran. In a separate case, the Justice Department also accused two Huawei subsidiaries of 10 counts of stealing trade secrets, wire fraud and obstructing justice for allegedly stealing robotic technology from carrier T-Mobile US Inc to test smartphones' durability. Those charges were filed in the western district of Washington state. Huawei did not respond to requests for comments on the charges. T-Mobile had accused Huawei of stealing the technology, called "Tappy," which mimicked human fingers and was used to test smartphones. Huawei has said that the two companies settled their disputes in 2017. The charges in both cases add to US pressure on Huawei, the world`s biggest telecommunications equipment maker. The Trump administration is trying to prevent American companies from buying Huawei routers and switches and pressing allies to do the same. US security experts are concerned that the equipment could be used to spy on the United States. At Washington's request, Huawei's chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, was arrested in Canada in December and is now fighting extradition to the United States. US authorities accuse Meng of playing a lead role in the scheme to use subsidiaries to conduct business in Iran in violation of US sanctions against Tehran. Meng, who has denied the charges, is currently in Vancouver, staying in one of her family`s homes, as she awaits a decision from a Canadian court on the US extradition request. The arrest of Meng, who is the daughter of Huawei's founder, Ren Zhengfei, ratcheted up tensions with China, which responded by arresting two Canadians on national security grounds. Ren denies his company's products would be used by the Chinese government to spy. The charges announced on Monday come just days before US-China trade talks are set to resume in Washington, although Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said the two cases are "wholly separate" from the trade negotiations. FBI Director Christopher Wray said the cases "expose Huawei’s brazen and persistent actions to exploit American companies and financial institutions, and to threaten the free and fair global marketplace.” He said that he is concerned about Huawei devices in US telecommunications networks. “That kind of access could give a foreign government the capacity to maliciously modify or steal information, conduct undetected espionage, or exert pressure or control."

US charges China's Huawei with stealing trade secrets, violating Iran sanctions

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-should-stop-unreasonable-suppression-of-huawei-china-193706">US should stop unreasonable suppression of Huawei: China</a>

China on Tuesday accused the United States of "political motivations" behind sweeping charges against Chinese telecom giant Huawei in a case that has ratcheted up tensions between the two superpowers.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ayodhya-dispute-centre-moves-to-supreme-court-seeks-excess-land-be-returned-to-ramjanambhoomi-nyas-193587">Ayodhya dispute: Centre moves Supreme Court, seeks permission to return acquired land to Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas</a>

The central government has submitted an interim application to the Supreme Court asking for permission to restore 67.39 acres of the land acquired around the disputed Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi site to its rightful owners.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-supreme-court-rejects-petition-against-asia-bibis-acquittal-193662">Pakistan Supreme Court rejects petition against Asia Bibi's acquittal</a>

Pakistan's Supreme Court rejected a review petition challenging the acquittal of Asia Bibi in the blasphemy case.

"Based on merit, this review petition is dismissed," Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa said while presiding over the three-judge panel.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/sanctions-against-venezuela-illegal-violates-all-possible-international-norms-russia-193682">Sanctions against Venezuela illegal, violates all possible international norms: Russia</a>

A day after the Trump administration announced sanctions against Venezuela's state-owned oil firm PDVSA, Kremlin said the sanctions were "illegal".

"The legitimate authorities of Venezuela have already labelled these sanctions illegal. We can wholly support this point of view," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/if-us-responds-to-denuclearisation-with-trustworthy-measures-relations-will-develop-fast-north-korea-193678">If US responds to denuclearisation with trustworthy measures, relations will develop fast: North Korea</a>

North Korea said on Tuesday that relations with the United States will develop "wonderfully at a fast pace" if Washington responds to its efforts on denuclearisation with trustworthy measures and practical actions.

US should stop unreasonable suppression of Huawei: China China on Tuesday accused the United States of "political motivations" behind sweeping charges against Chinese telecom giant Huawei in a case that has ratcheted up tensions between the two superpowers.

US should stop unreasonable suppression of Huawei: China China on Tuesday accused the United States of "political motivations" behind sweeping charges against Chinese telecom giant Huawei in a case that has ratcheted up tensions between the two superpowers. Ayodhya dispute: Centre moves Supreme Court, seeks permission to return acquired land to Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas The central government has submitted an interim application to the Supreme Court asking for permission to restore 67.39 acres of the land acquired around the disputed Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi site to its rightful owners. Pakistan Supreme Court rejects petition against Asia Bibi's acquittal Pakistan's Supreme Court rejected a review petition challenging the acquittal of Asia Bibi in the blasphemy case. "Based on merit, this review petition is dismissed," Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa said while presiding over the three-judge panel. Sanctions against Venezuela illegal, violates all possible international norms: Russia A day after the Trump administration announced sanctions against Venezuela's state-owned oil firm PDVSA, Kremlin said the sanctions were "illegal". "The legitimate authorities of Venezuela have already labelled these sanctions illegal. We can wholly support this point of view," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. If US responds to denuclearisation with trustworthy measures, relations will develop fast: North Korea North Korea said on Tuesday that relations with the United States will develop "wonderfully at a fast pace" if Washington responds to its efforts on denuclearisation with trustworthy measures and practical actions.

News brief: Big stories of the day

China on Tuesday accused the United States of "political motivations" behind sweeping charges against <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trudeau-sacks-canadian-ambassador-to-china-after-huawei-controversy-193039">Chinese telecom giant Huawei</a> in a case that has ratcheted up tensions between the two superpowers.

The Justice Department Monday unveiled 13 charges against <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/prince-charless-charity-to-stop-taking-huawei-donations-192509">Huawei Technologies, its chief financial </a>officer Meng Wanzhou - the daughter of the company's founder - and two affiliates related to violating US sanctions on Iran.

The firm was also accused of technology theft on the same day China's top trade negotiator arrived in Washington for high-stakes talks with US officials, possibly complicating the discussions ahead of a March deadline to avert a deepening of their trade war.

Canada has been dragged into the dispute since it arrested Meng at the behest of the United States last month, sparking a diplomatic crisis between Ottawa and Beijing, which renewed calls for her release and for the US to drop its warrant against her.

China's foreign ministry said there were "strong political motivations and political manipulations" behind the charges.

"For some time, the US has used state power to smear and suppress specific Chinese companies in an attempt to stifle their legitimate business activities," ministry spokesman Geng Shaung said at a regular briefing.

"We strongly urge the US to stop the unreasonable suppression of Chinese companies including Huawei and to treat them fairly and objectively. China will also resolutely defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises."

The twin indictments are the latest setback for the company, with its equipment having been barred from domestic networks in the United States, Australia and New Zealand amid security fears.

In addition to fraud charges linked to Iran sanctions violations against Meng and the company, two Huawei affiliates were charged with stealing robot technology from T-Mobile.

"Both sets of charges expose Huawei's brazen and persistent actions to exploit American companies and financial institutions, and to threaten the free and fair global marketplace," said FBI director Christopher Wray.

Acting US Attorney General Matthew Whitaker said there was nothing in the indictment that alleged Chinese government involvement in either case.

However, he added, "As I told Chinese officials in August, China must hold its citizens and Chinese companies accountable for complying with the law."

In a statement sent to AFP, Huawei said it was "disappointed" and denied that it committed any of the allegations.&nbsp;

It added that it was "not aware of any wrongdoing by Ms Meng (Wanzhou), and believes the US courts will ultimately reach the same conclusion."

The United States have filed a formal extradition request for Meng, according to Canadian broadcaster CBC, and she faces a court hearing on February 6.

Nine days after her arrest in Vancouver on December 1, Chinese authorities detained two Canadians in what is seen as an act of retaliation to pressure Ottawa.

The charges against Meng, filed in federal court in New York, allege that between 2007 and 2017 she, Huawei and the subsidiaries sought to mask their business with Iran in violation of US and UN sanctions on the country.

Meng in particular "repeatedly lied" to bankers about the relationships between the companies, especially with Skycom, a Huawei affiliate in Iran, according to the charges.

That violated US laws, the Justice Department said, because the Iran business involved US-dollar transactions processed by banks through the United States.

Huawei and the affiliates also lied to US authorities, obstructing the investigation, they said.

The indictment also mentions that Huawei's founder -- Ren Zhengfei, a former People's Liberation Army engineer identified only as "Individual-1" in the court documents -- had "falsely stated" that the company had "not dealt directly with any Iranian company" in an interview with FBI in July 2007.

Ren, however, has not been charged.

The second case charged that Huawei made a concerted effort to steal technology related to a phone-testing robot dubbed Tappy from a T-Mobile USA lab in Washington state.&nbsp;

Engineers of Huawei -- which was supplying T-Mobile with phones -- took pictures and made measurements of parts of the robot, "even stealing a piece of it," said Whitaker.

The Justice Department charged that the Chinese company had, in July 2013, offered bonuses to employees "based on the value of information they stole from other companies around the world, and provided to Huawei via an encrypted email address."&nbsp;

The indictments came as Chinese Vice Premier Liu He arrived in Washington on Monday to lead trade talks this week.

Speaking together with Justice Department officials announcing the indictments, US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross said they were "wholly separate from our trade negotiations with China."

However, he added: "Commerce will continue to work with our interagency partners to protect US national security interests."

China on Tuesday accused the United States of "political motivations" behind sweeping charges against Chinese telecom giant Huawei in a case that has ratcheted up tensions between the two superpowers.

China on Tuesday accused the United States of "political motivations" behind sweeping charges against Chinese telecom giant Huawei in a case that has ratcheted up tensions between the two superpowers. The Justice Department Monday unveiled 13 charges against Huawei Technologies, its chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou - the daughter of the company's founder - and two affiliates related to violating US sanctions on Iran. The firm was also accused of technology theft on the same day China's top trade negotiator arrived in Washington for high-stakes talks with US officials, possibly complicating the discussions ahead of a March deadline to avert a deepening of their trade war. Canada has been dragged into the dispute since it arrested Meng at the behest of the United States last month, sparking a diplomatic crisis between Ottawa and Beijing, which renewed calls for her release and for the US to drop its warrant against her. China's foreign ministry said there were "strong political motivations and political manipulations" behind the charges. "For some time, the US has used state power to smear and suppress specific Chinese companies in an attempt to stifle their legitimate business activities," ministry spokesman Geng Shaung said at a regular briefing. "We strongly urge the US to stop the unreasonable suppression of Chinese companies including Huawei and to treat them fairly and objectively. China will also resolutely defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises." The twin indictments are the latest setback for the company, with its equipment having been barred from domestic networks in the United States, Australia and New Zealand amid security fears. In addition to fraud charges linked to Iran sanctions violations against Meng and the company, two Huawei affiliates were charged with stealing robot technology from T-Mobile. "Both sets of charges expose Huawei's brazen and persistent actions to exploit American companies and financial institutions, and to threaten the free and fair global marketplace," said FBI director Christopher Wray. Acting US Attorney General Matthew Whitaker said there was nothing in the indictment that alleged Chinese government involvement in either case. However, he added, "As I told Chinese officials in August, China must hold its citizens and Chinese companies accountable for complying with the law." In a statement sent to AFP, Huawei said it was "disappointed" and denied that it committed any of the allegations. It added that it was "not aware of any wrongdoing by Ms Meng (Wanzhou), and believes the US courts will ultimately reach the same conclusion." The United States have filed a formal extradition request for Meng, according to Canadian broadcaster CBC, and she faces a court hearing on February 6. Nine days after her arrest in Vancouver on December 1, Chinese authorities detained two Canadians in what is seen as an act of retaliation to pressure Ottawa. The charges against Meng, filed in federal court in New York, allege that between 2007 and 2017 she, Huawei and the subsidiaries sought to mask their business with Iran in violation of US and UN sanctions on the country. Meng in particular "repeatedly lied" to bankers about the relationships between the companies, especially with Skycom, a Huawei affiliate in Iran, according to the charges. That violated US laws, the Justice Department said, because the Iran business involved US-dollar transactions processed by banks through the United States. Huawei and the affiliates also lied to US authorities, obstructing the investigation, they said. The indictment also mentions that Huawei's founder -- Ren Zhengfei, a former People's Liberation Army engineer identified only as "Individual-1" in the court documents -- had "falsely stated" that the company had "not dealt directly with any Iranian company" in an interview with FBI in July 2007. Ren, however, has not been charged. The second case charged that Huawei made a concerted effort to steal technology related to a phone-testing robot dubbed Tappy from a T-Mobile USA lab in Washington state. Engineers of Huawei -- which was supplying T-Mobile with phones -- took pictures and made measurements of parts of the robot, "even stealing a piece of it," said Whitaker. The Justice Department charged that the Chinese company had, in July 2013, offered bonuses to employees "based on the value of information they stole from other companies around the world, and provided to Huawei via an encrypted email address." The indictments came as Chinese Vice Premier Liu He arrived in Washington on Monday to lead trade talks this week. Speaking together with Justice Department officials announcing the indictments, US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross said they were "wholly separate from our trade negotiations with China." However, he added: "Commerce will continue to work with our interagency partners to protect US national security interests."

US should stop unreasonable suppression of Huawei: China

China's top trade negotiator arrived in Washington as the world's top two economies prepare for high-stakes trade talks, Chinese state media said Tuesday.

The large delegation led by Vice Premier Liu He and including the head of the central bank arrived Monday as a US Justice Department indictment against top Chinese tech firm Huawei was unsealed, possibly complicating the discussions.

Beijing and Washington have a month remaining on a truce — declared in December by Donald Trump and Xi Jinping — that delayed a hike in tariffs on hundreds of billions in Chinese exports economists say could further damage an already-faltering global economy.

Trump will meet with Liu during the two-day talks, which are slated to open Wednesday, US officials said, as pressure mounts on both sides to reach a deal, with China, in particular, struggling with stuttering growth.

While there have been contradictory reports on the chances of success for the negotiations, global equities have been risen in recent weeks on hopes the two will reach some sort of deal.

China's negotiating team includes central bank chief Yi Gang, Vice Finance Minister Liao Min, and Vice Foreign Minister Zheng Zeguang, among other high-level officials, official state news agency Xinhua reported.

But the gathering comes days after the US Justice Department unveiled sweeping charges against Chinese telecoms giant Huawei and its chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou — also the daughter of the company's founder.

Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross said on Monday the indictments were "wholly separate from our trade negotiations with China".

However, he added: "Commerce will continue to work with our interagency partners to protect US national security interests."

China's top trade negotiator arrived in Washington as the world's top two economies prepare for high-stakes trade talks, Chinese state media said Tuesday. The large delegation led by Vice Premier Liu He and including the head of the central bank arrived Monday as a US Justice Department indictment against top Chinese tech firm Huawei was unsealed, possibly complicating the discussions.

China's top trade negotiator arrived in Washington as the world's top two economies prepare for high-stakes trade talks, Chinese state media said Tuesday. The large delegation led by Vice Premier Liu He and including the head of the central bank arrived Monday as a US Justice Department indictment against top Chinese tech firm Huawei was unsealed, possibly complicating the discussions. Beijing and Washington have a month remaining on a truce — declared in December by Donald Trump and Xi Jinping — that delayed a hike in tariffs on hundreds of billions in Chinese exports economists say could further damage an already-faltering global economy. Trump will meet with Liu during the two-day talks, which are slated to open Wednesday, US officials said, as pressure mounts on both sides to reach a deal, with China, in particular, struggling with stuttering growth. While there have been contradictory reports on the chances of success for the negotiations, global equities have been risen in recent weeks on hopes the two will reach some sort of deal. China's negotiating team includes central bank chief Yi Gang, Vice Finance Minister Liao Min, and Vice Foreign Minister Zheng Zeguang, among other high-level officials, official state news agency Xinhua reported. But the gathering comes days after the US Justice Department unveiled sweeping charges against Chinese telecoms giant Huawei and its chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou — also the daughter of the company's founder. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross said on Monday the indictments were "wholly separate from our trade negotiations with China". However, he added: "Commerce will continue to work with our interagency partners to protect US national security interests."

China's top trade negotiator arrives in US for talks

WION Fineprint, 28th January, 2019

Dispatch: US pushes allies to ban Huawei

A Chinese executive of Huawei arrested earlier this month in Poland on suspicion of spying said on Friday he was not guilty in the case, which has drawn attention to what some Western countries say is a security risk from the world's biggest telecoms equipment company.

"With reference to my detention on January 8 under charges of alleged actions in foreign intelligence against Poland, I hereby strongly declare that I am innocent," the man, who can be only partly identified as Weijing W under Polish law, said in a statement sent by his lawyer.

Poland announced on January 11 it had arrested him and a former Polish security official on spying allegations. Huawei said the following day that Weijing W&nbsp;was fired.&nbsp;

The court has ordered the men held for up to three months pending further investigation.

Weijing W&nbsp;also said that the charges against him are "completely groundless and terribly hurtful".

"I have never consciously had contact with and I certainly did not cooperate with any kind of intelligence, especially Chinese intelligence," the man said.

The Polish spying case comes as a range of Western countries have either taken steps or said they are considering measures to limit access of Huawei to their markets. The company denies wrongdoing or that it poses a security risk in the West.

US&nbsp;officials have said that the company is at the beck and call of the Chinese state and that its equipment could contain "back doors" allowing espionage. Huawei says such concerns are unfounded.

The company's chief financial officer is being held in Canada on a US extradition request over accusations of sanctions-busting which Huawei also denies.

Huawei, once a fast follower of Nordic firms Nokia and Ericsson, is now a $93 billion global market leader in an industry where there is no US champion.

In a lengthy statement e-mailed to Reuters by his lawyer on Friday, Weijing W said that he had lived in Poland for more than 12 years. He was hired at Huawei's Polish unit in 2011 as public relations manager.

Poland, where Huawei is the smartphone market leader and provides a significant part of telecom infrastructure, could also consider banning the use of Huawei products by public bodies, a senior government official said on Sunday.

A Chinese executive of Huawei arrested earlier this month in Poland on suspicion of spying said on Friday he was not guilty in the case, which has drawn attention to what some Western countries say is a security risk from the world's biggest telecoms equipment company.

A Chinese executive of Huawei arrested earlier this month in Poland on suspicion of spying said on Friday he was not guilty in the case, which has drawn attention to what some Western countries say is a security risk from the world's biggest telecoms equipment company. "With reference to my detention on January 8 under charges of alleged actions in foreign intelligence against Poland, I hereby strongly declare that I am innocent," the man, who can be only partly identified as Weijing W under Polish law, said in a statement sent by his lawyer. Poland announced on January 11 it had arrested him and a former Polish security official on spying allegations. Huawei said the following day that Weijing W was fired. The court has ordered the men held for up to three months pending further investigation. Weijing W also said that the charges against him are "completely groundless and terribly hurtful". "I have never consciously had contact with and I certainly did not cooperate with any kind of intelligence, especially Chinese intelligence," the man said. The Polish spying case comes as a range of Western countries have either taken steps or said they are considering measures to limit access of Huawei to their markets. The company denies wrongdoing or that it poses a security risk in the West. US officials have said that the company is at the beck and call of the Chinese state and that its equipment could contain "back doors" allowing espionage. Huawei says such concerns are unfounded. The company's chief financial officer is being held in Canada on a US extradition request over accusations of sanctions-busting which Huawei also denies. Huawei, once a fast follower of Nordic firms Nokia and Ericsson, is now a $93 billion global market leader in an industry where there is no US champion. In a lengthy statement e-mailed to Reuters by his lawyer on Friday, Weijing W said that he had lived in Poland for more than 12 years. He was hired at Huawei's Polish unit in 2011 as public relations manager. Poland, where Huawei is the smartphone market leader and provides a significant part of telecom infrastructure, could also consider banning the use of Huawei products by public bodies, a senior government official said on Sunday.

'Strongly declare that I am innocent': Huawei executive Weijing W says not guilty of spying charges

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-pursue-extradition-of-huaweis-meng-wanzhou-confirms-us-justice-department-192267">Will pursue extradition of Huawei's Meng Wanzhou, confirms US justice department</a>

As Meng's extradition looms, Canadian ambassador to China John Mccallum said she had a good defence case.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhis-fall-is-priyankas-rise-up-bjp-192271">Rahul Gandhi's fall is Priyanka's rise: UP BJP</a>

BJP leader and UP minister Siddharth Nath Singh said.Priyanka Gandhi can be judged from her management so far of the Rae Bareli constituency, where he claimed no development has taken place.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/dhawans-unbeaten-75-helps-india-beat-new-zealand-by-8-wickets-in-1st-odi-192244">Dhawan's unbeaten 75 helps India beat New Zealand by 8 wickets in 1st ODI</a>

India defeated New Zealand by eight wickets in the first ODI, which was reduced to 49 overs&nbsp;to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/karan-johar-apologises-for-hardik-pandyas-koffee-with-karan-episode-i-feel-responsible-as-it-was-my-show-192250">Karan Johar apologises for Hardik Pandya's 'Koffee With Karan' episode</a>

Karan admitted that the conversation “may have crossed boundaries” as he spoke of feeling “responsible”.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/chinese-model-who-featured-in-controversial-dolce-gabbana-ad-issues-apology-192272">Chinese model who featured in controversial Dolce &amp; Gabbana ad issues apology</a>

It all started with a promotional video for the brand in which Zuo featured as a girl who was shown eating pizza and spaghetti with chopsticks -- that came across as culturally insensitive.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Will pursue extradition of Huawei's Meng Wanzhou, confirms US justice department As Meng's extradition looms, Canadian ambassador to China John Mccallum said she had a good defence case.

Will pursue extradition of Huawei's Meng Wanzhou, confirms US justice department As Meng's extradition looms, Canadian ambassador to China John Mccallum said she had a good defence case. Rahul Gandhi's fall is Priyanka's rise: UP BJP BJP leader and UP minister Siddharth Nath Singh said.Priyanka Gandhi can be judged from her management so far of the Rae Bareli constituency, where he claimed no development has taken place. Dhawan's unbeaten 75 helps India beat New Zealand by 8 wickets in 1st ODI India defeated New Zealand by eight wickets in the first ODI, which was reduced to 49 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Karan Johar apologises for Hardik Pandya's 'Koffee With Karan' episode Karan admitted that the conversation “may have crossed boundaries” as he spoke of feeling “responsible”. Chinese model who featured in controversial Dolce & Gabbana ad issues apology It all started with a promotional video for the brand in which Zuo featured as a girl who was shown eating pizza and spaghetti with chopsticks -- that came across as culturally insensitive.

The US government today confirmed that it would be seeking extradition of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-tells-canada-to-free-huawei-cfo-or-face-consequences-182513">Huawei's top executive Meng Wanzhou</a> who is hauled up in Canada over charges of misleading multinational banks about Iran-linked transactions thereby working against US sanctions.

"We will continue to pursue the extradition of defendant Ms. Meng Wanzhou, and will meet all deadlines set by the US/Canada Extradition Treaty," said Justice Department spokesperson Marc Raimondi.

As Meng's extradition looms, Canadian ambassador<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/strongly-urge-us-to-immediately-drop-extradition-request-for-huaweis-meng-wanzhou-china-192033"> to China John Mccallum</a> said she&nbsp;had a good defence case.&nbsp;

"One, political involvement by comments from Donald Trump in her case. Two, there's an extraterritorial aspect to her case, and three, there's the issue of Iran sanctions which are involved in her case, and Canada does not sign on to these Iran sanctions," &nbsp;Mccallum said, adding,"So I think she has some strong arguments that she can make before a judge."

Meng, 46, was released on bail last month but she continues to be under surveillance and is barred from leaving Canada.&nbsp;

China meanwhile has once sprung to her defence, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hua Chunying said the US should drop &nbsp;extradition request to Canada since it was a "serious mistake" and violated &nbsp;Chinese citizen's safety and legitimate rights and interests."

Canadian law allows 60 days for the US to make extradition request for Meng Wanzhou and January 30th is the deadline. David MacNaughton, Canadian ambassador to the United States, said the United States has told Canada it will extradite Meng, but American authorities have yet to formally make that request.

Relations between Canada and China have nosedived since Meng's arrest with Chinese authorities detaining two Canadian nationals - &nbsp;Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor - amid growing tensions.

A China Daily newspaper had said Canada "could lose the trust and cooperation of most developing countries" over the matter.

The US government today confirmed that it would be seeking extradition of Huawei's top executive Meng Wanzhou who is hauled up in Canada over charges of misleading multinational banks about Iran-linked transactions thereby working against US sanctions.

The US government today confirmed that it would be seeking extradition of Huawei's top executive Meng Wanzhou who is hauled up in Canada over charges of misleading multinational banks about Iran-linked transactions thereby working against US sanctions. "We will continue to pursue the extradition of defendant Ms. Meng Wanzhou, and will meet all deadlines set by the US/Canada Extradition Treaty," said Justice Department spokesperson Marc Raimondi. As Meng's extradition looms, Canadian ambassador to China John Mccallum said she had a good defence case. "One, political involvement by comments from Donald Trump in her case. Two, there's an extraterritorial aspect to her case, and three, there's the issue of Iran sanctions which are involved in her case, and Canada does not sign on to these Iran sanctions," Mccallum said, adding,"So I think she has some strong arguments that she can make before a judge." Meng, 46, was released on bail last month but she continues to be under surveillance and is barred from leaving Canada. China meanwhile has once sprung to her defence, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hua Chunying said the US should drop extradition request to Canada since it was a "serious mistake" and violated Chinese citizen's safety and legitimate rights and interests." Canadian law allows 60 days for the US to make extradition request for Meng Wanzhou and January 30th is the deadline. David MacNaughton, Canadian ambassador to the United States, said the United States has told Canada it will extradite Meng, but American authorities have yet to formally make that request. Relations between Canada and China have nosedived since Meng's arrest with Chinese authorities detaining two Canadian nationals - Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor - amid growing tensions. A China Daily newspaper had said Canada "could lose the trust and cooperation of most developing countries" over the matter.

Will pursue extradition of Huawei's Meng Wanzhou, confirms US justice department

The United States will proceed with the formal extradition from <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/executive-of-chinas-huawei-asks-for-bail-in-us-extradition-case-183236&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjZk9Kv44DgAhWFinAKHVwWCLoQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3x8RB4GE_gLQaP4sLXygkt">Canada of Huawei </a>executive Meng Wanzhou, Canada's ambassador to the United States told the Globe and Mail, in a move certain to ratchet up tensions with China.

David MacNaughton, in an interview with the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-government-banning-huawei-5g-network-will-have-repercussions-china-191217&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjZk9Kv44DgAhWFinAKHVwWCLoQFggOMAM&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw297XTNIV9-qKZKM1nxk7kQ">Canadian </a>newspaper published on Monday, said the US has told Canada it will request Meng's extradition, but he did not say when the request will be made. The deadline for filing is January 30, or 60 days after Meng was arrested on December 1 in Vancouver.

Meng, the daughter of Huawei Technologies Co Ltd founder Ren Zhengfei, was arrested at the request of the United States over alleged violations of US sanctions on Iran. She was released on bail last month and is due in court in Vancouver on February 6.

Relations between China and Canada turned frosty after the arrest, with China detaining two Canadian citizens and sentencing to death a Canadian man previously found guilty of drug smuggling.

The Chinese firm, the world's biggest maker of telecommunications equipment, said it had no comment on ongoing legal proceedings when contacted by Reuters on Tuesday. A US Justice Department spokesman said, "We will comment through our filings."

The Canadian Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside regular business hours.

Canada is one of over 100 countries with which the United States has extradition treaties. Once a formal request is received, a Canadian court must determine within 30 days if there is sufficient evidence to support extradition, and Canada's Minister of Justice must give a formal order.

In an article published on Monday, a former Canadian spy chief said Canada should ban Huawei from supplying equipment for next-generation telecoms networks, while Canada's government is studying any security implications.

Some of Canada's allies such as the United States and Australia have already imposed restrictions on using Huawei equipment, citing the risk of it being used for espionage.

Huawei has repeatedly said such concerns are unfounded, while China's ambassador to Canada last week said there would be repercussions if Ottawa blocked Huawei.

In Monday's interview, MacNaughton said he had complained to the United States that Canada was suffering from Chinese revenge for an arrest made at the US's request.

"We don't like that it is our citizens who are being punished," the Globe and Mail cited MacNaughton as saying. "(The Americans) are the ones seeking to have the full force of American law brought against (Ms&nbsp;Meng) and yet we are the ones who are paying the price. Our citizens are."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau previously said China was arbitrarily using the death penalty and called on world leaders to raise concerns about the detained Canadians.

The United States will proceed with the formal extradition from Canada of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, Canada's ambassador to the United States told the Globe and Mail, in a move certain to ratchet up tensions with China.

The United States will proceed with the formal extradition from Canada of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, Canada's ambassador to the United States told the Globe and Mail, in a move certain to ratchet up tensions with China. David MacNaughton, in an interview with the Canadian newspaper published on Monday, said the US has told Canada it will request Meng's extradition, but he did not say when the request will be made. The deadline for filing is January 30, or 60 days after Meng was arrested on December 1 in Vancouver. Meng, the daughter of Huawei Technologies Co Ltd founder Ren Zhengfei, was arrested at the request of the United States over alleged violations of US sanctions on Iran. She was released on bail last month and is due in court in Vancouver on February 6. Relations between China and Canada turned frosty after the arrest, with China detaining two Canadian citizens and sentencing to death a Canadian man previously found guilty of drug smuggling. The Chinese firm, the world's biggest maker of telecommunications equipment, said it had no comment on ongoing legal proceedings when contacted by Reuters on Tuesday. A US Justice Department spokesman said, "We will comment through our filings." The Canadian Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside regular business hours. Canada is one of over 100 countries with which the United States has extradition treaties. Once a formal request is received, a Canadian court must determine within 30 days if there is sufficient evidence to support extradition, and Canada's Minister of Justice must give a formal order. In an article published on Monday, a former Canadian spy chief said Canada should ban Huawei from supplying equipment for next-generation telecoms networks, while Canada's government is studying any security implications. Some of Canada's allies such as the United States and Australia have already imposed restrictions on using Huawei equipment, citing the risk of it being used for espionage. Huawei has repeatedly said such concerns are unfounded, while China's ambassador to Canada last week said there would be repercussions if Ottawa blocked Huawei. In Monday's interview, MacNaughton said he had complained to the United States that Canada was suffering from Chinese revenge for an arrest made at the US's request. "We don't like that it is our citizens who are being punished," the Globe and Mail cited MacNaughton as saying. "(The Americans) are the ones seeking to have the full force of American law brought against (Ms Meng) and yet we are the ones who are paying the price. Our citizens are." Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau previously said China was arbitrarily using the death penalty and called on world leaders to raise concerns about the detained Canadians.

US to formally seek extradition of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou: Report

Over hundreds of academics, former diplomats and activists have written an open letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping calling for the release of two Canadians arrested on national security grounds, news agency AFP reported on Tuesday.

The tension between<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-detained-canadian-lacks-diplomatic-immunity-190233"> China and Canada</a> intensified recently after the authorities arrested Huawei Chief Financial Officer, Meng Wanzhou at Vancouver airport for allegedly violating Iran sanctions imposed by the US.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-government-banning-huawei-5g-network-will-have-repercussions-china-191217">Canadian government banning Huawei 5G network will have repercussions, says China</a>

Following the CFO's arrest, China detained former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor on December 10.&nbsp;

They were arrested for endangering "China's national security".&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/strongly-urge-us-to-immediately-drop-extradition-request-for-huaweis-meng-wanzhou-china-192033">Strongly urge </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/strongly-urge-us-to-immediately-drop-extradition-request-for-huaweis-meng-wanzhou-china-192033">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/strongly-urge-us-to-immediately-drop-extradition-request-for-huaweis-meng-wanzhou-china-192033"> to immediately drop extradition request for Huawei's Meng Wanzhou, says China</a>

Contradicting with China's claims, the letter written in English and Chinese, said that both Kovrig and Spavor worked to improve understanding between China and Canada and promoted better relations with the world.&nbsp;

"Kovrig and Savor's detentions send a message that this kind of constructive work is unwelcome and even risky in China," read the page-long letter, which had 143 signatories from 19 countries. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
According to the report, China, however, has reacted angrily to the letter.&nbsp;

AFP quoted foreign ministry spokesperson, Hua Chunying calling the letter "great disrespectful" to the country. &nbsp;&nbsp;She also said that it interferes with China's sovereignty and judicial process.

The missive was signed by six former Canadian ambassadors to China: Fred Bild, Joseph Caron, Earl Drake, David Mulroney, Guy Saint-Jacques and Robert Wright; former US ambassadors Gary Locke and Winston Lord; and Hong Kong's last British governor Chris Patten.

Former ambassadors to China from Germany, Mexico, Britain and Sweden also lent their names, along with many of the world's leading China academics, AFP reported.

The tension between Beijing and Ottawa also escalated quickly after a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/hostage-politics-death-sentence-heightens-china-canada-tensions-190522"> Chinese court sentenced a Canadian person to death </a>on drugs trafficking charges.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-formally-seek-extradition-of-huawei-executive-meng-wanzhou-globe-and-mail-191936">David MacNaughton,</a> in an interview with the Canadian newspaper published on Monday, said the US has told Canada it will request Meng's extradition, but he did not say when the request will be made. The deadline for filing is January 30, or 60 days after Meng was arrested on December 1 in Vancouver.

Meng, the daughter of Huawei Technologies Co Ltd founder Ren Zhengfei, was arrested at the request of the United States over alleged violations of US sanctions on Iran. She was released on bail last month and is due in court in Vancouver on February 6.

(With inputs from agencies)

Over hundreds of academics, former diplomats and activists have written an open letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping calling for the release of two Canadians arrested on national security grounds, news agency AFP reported on Tuesday.

Over hundreds of academics, former diplomats and activists have written an open letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping calling for the release of two Canadians arrested on national security grounds, news agency AFP reported on Tuesday. The tension between China and Canada intensified recently after the authorities arrested Huawei Chief Financial Officer, Meng Wanzhou at Vancouver airport for allegedly violating Iran sanctions imposed by the US. Also read: Canadian government banning Huawei 5G network will have repercussions, says China Following the CFO's arrest, China detained former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor on December 10. They were arrested for endangering "China's national security". Also read: Strongly urge US to immediately drop extradition request for Huawei's Meng Wanzhou, says China Contradicting with China's claims, the letter written in English and Chinese, said that both Kovrig and Spavor worked to improve understanding between China and Canada and promoted better relations with the world. "Kovrig and Savor's detentions send a message that this kind of constructive work is unwelcome and even risky in China," read the page-long letter, which had 143 signatories from 19 countries. According to the report, China, however, has reacted angrily to the letter. AFP quoted foreign ministry spokesperson, Hua Chunying calling the letter "great disrespectful" to the country. She also said that it interferes with China's sovereignty and judicial process. The missive was signed by six former Canadian ambassadors to China: Fred Bild, Joseph Caron, Earl Drake, David Mulroney, Guy Saint-Jacques and Robert Wright; former US ambassadors Gary Locke and Winston Lord; and Hong Kong's last British governor Chris Patten. Former ambassadors to China from Germany, Mexico, Britain and Sweden also lent their names, along with many of the world's leading China academics, AFP reported. The tension between Beijing and Ottawa also escalated quickly after a Chinese court sentenced a Canadian person to death on drugs trafficking charges. Meanwhile, David MacNaughton, in an interview with the Canadian newspaper published on Monday, said the US has told Canada it will request Meng's extradition, but he did not say when the request will be made. The deadline for filing is January 30, or 60 days after Meng was arrested on December 1 in Vancouver. Meng, the daughter of Huawei Technologies Co Ltd founder Ren Zhengfei, was arrested at the request of the United States over alleged violations of US sanctions on Iran. She was released on bail last month and is due in court in Vancouver on February 6. (With inputs from agencies)

Ex-Diplomats, scholars write open letter to President Xi Jinping urging release of detained Canadians in China

After reports emerged that the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-formally-seek-extradition-of-huawei-executive-meng-wanzhou-globe-and-mail-191936"> US may formally extradite Huawei executive</a> Meng Wanzhou from Canada, the Chinese foreign ministry said it is an abuse of extradition treaties between the United States and Canada and a serious violation of Chinese citizen's safety and legitimate rights and interests.

"China has strongly urged Canada to<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/executive-of-chinas-huawei-asks-for-bail-in-us-extradition-case-183236"> immediately release Ms Meng</a>, and earnestly guarantee her justified and legitimate rights," China's foreign ministry spokesman Hua Chunying said.

Meng, 46, who is the daughter of the founder Ren Zhengfei, was arrested and then released on bail last month by a Canadian court after the United States accused the Huawei top executive of misleading multinational banks about Iran-linked transactions thereby working against US sanctions.

Meng denied the charge as she was released subject to guarantee of $7.5 million and barred from leaving the country. The development angered Chinese authorities threatened&nbsp;severe consequences if Meng was extradited to the US.

Meng has been&nbsp;put under electronic surveillance in a luxury home in Vancouver awaiting action from the US administration.

"China has also strongly urged the United States to immediately correct its mistake, repeal its warrant of arrest for Meng Wanzhou and drop the extradition request to Canada," the foreign ministry spokesman said.

Meng was detained on December 1st as she was changing planes in Vancouver airport.

Relations between Canada and China have hit rock bottom ever since the Meng incident unfolded with Chinese authorities detaining ex-diplomat Michael Kovrig and China-based business consultant Michael Spavor for harming "national security".&nbsp;

As relations deteriorated, China announced death sentence for Canadian national Robert Schellenberg for smuggling methamphetamines even as Canada denounced the move.&nbsp;

After reports emerged that the US may formally extradite Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou from Canada, the Chinese foreign ministry said it is an abuse of extradition treaties between the United States and Canada and a serious violation of Chinese citizen's safety and legitimate rights and interests.

After reports emerged that the US may formally extradite Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou from Canada, the Chinese foreign ministry said it is an abuse of extradition treaties between the United States and Canada and a serious violation of Chinese citizen's safety and legitimate rights and interests. "China has strongly urged Canada to immediately release Ms Meng, and earnestly guarantee her justified and legitimate rights," China's foreign ministry spokesman Hua Chunying said. Meng, 46, who is the daughter of the founder Ren Zhengfei, was arrested and then released on bail last month by a Canadian court after the United States accused the Huawei top executive of misleading multinational banks about Iran-linked transactions thereby working against US sanctions. Meng denied the charge as she was released subject to guarantee of $7.5 million and barred from leaving the country. The development angered Chinese authorities threatened severe consequences if Meng was extradited to the US. Meng has been put under electronic surveillance in a luxury home in Vancouver awaiting action from the US administration. "China has also strongly urged the United States to immediately correct its mistake, repeal its warrant of arrest for Meng Wanzhou and drop the extradition request to Canada," the foreign ministry spokesman said. Meng was detained on December 1st as she was changing planes in Vancouver airport. Relations between Canada and China have hit rock bottom ever since the Meng incident unfolded with Chinese authorities detaining ex-diplomat Michael Kovrig and China-based business consultant Michael Spavor for harming "national security". As relations deteriorated, China announced death sentence for Canadian national Robert Schellenberg for smuggling methamphetamines even as Canada denounced the move.

Strongly urge US to immediately drop extradition request for Huawei's Meng Wanzhou: China

Stock markets rebounded more than one per cent Friday, buoyed by hopes of a breakthrough in the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/opinions/why-there-will-be-no-winners-from-the-us-china-trade-war-191220&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjh79XyqfffAhUK448KHd3VBv8QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0J249ya864ZWnj0ZufEEXj">US-China trade war</a>.

European and Asian indices bounced back after the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that the US was considering lifting tariffs on China as officials look to hammer out a trade deal.

US stocks gained Thursday on the report, recovering from a wobble triggered by news that the US was carrying out a criminal probe into Chinese tech giant Huawei.&nbsp;

"Global markets are enjoying an overwhelmingly bullish end to the week, with hopes of a potential breakthrough in US-China trade talks helping drive optimism throughout both Asia and now Europe," said Joshua Mahony, senior market analyst at traders IG.

The WSJ reported that US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin had raised the idea with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer of removing some or all levies on Beijing in return for structural reforms.

It said the move was part of a bid to reassure markets and bolster the odds of a bigger trade deal, ending a months-long saga that is beginning to impact economies around the world, particularly China.

However, the Treasury Department told AFP that no formal recommendation had been made by either Mnuchin or Lighthizer in the talks, which were "nowhere near completion".

"The US government has said that there have been no formal talks to scale back tariffs, but the market saw the half glass full as the reports signal that concessions are in the works," said Alfonso Esparza, senior market analyst at OANDA.

However, there was scepticism among some analysts, with the two sides still far apart on a number of issues, particularly regarding intellectual property.

On currency markets, the pound edged up and was sitting around two-month highs against the dollar as dealers bet that Britain would not leave the European Union without a deal.

After her grand <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/britains-may-to-miss-davos-to-focus-on-brexit-downing-street-191092&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwizlJClqvffAhVLpY8KHbAIC24QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2eX0qY6dSj_XORRz7exnwj">Brexit </a>plan was soundly rebuffed by MPs this week, British Prime Minister Theresa May has called cross-party talks to put together a "Plan B" by Monday.

If that does not work, there is a growing expectation that the March 29 exit deadline will be pushed back to give May more time to reach another deal or possibly call another referendum.

Oil prices meanwhile rose on the China-US tariffs report and after OPEC said it had cut output in December before a new agreement to limit supply took effect.

Both main contracts are up around a fifth since the end of December, thanks to an agreement to cut output by OPEC and other key producers including Russia.&nbsp;

That followed almost three months of losses that wiped around 40 per cent off prices amid concerns supply was running ahead of demand.

Stock markets rebounded more than one per cent Friday, buoyed by hopes of a breakthrough in the US-China trade war. European and Asian indices bounced back after the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that the US was considering lifting tariffs on China as officials look to hammer out a trade deal.

Stock markets rebounded more than one per cent Friday, buoyed by hopes of a breakthrough in the US-China trade war. European and Asian indices bounced back after the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that the US was considering lifting tariffs on China as officials look to hammer out a trade deal. US stocks gained Thursday on the report, recovering from a wobble triggered by news that the US was carrying out a criminal probe into Chinese tech giant Huawei. "Global markets are enjoying an overwhelmingly bullish end to the week, with hopes of a potential breakthrough in US-China trade talks helping drive optimism throughout both Asia and now Europe," said Joshua Mahony, senior market analyst at traders IG. The WSJ reported that US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin had raised the idea with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer of removing some or all levies on Beijing in return for structural reforms. It said the move was part of a bid to reassure markets and bolster the odds of a bigger trade deal, ending a months-long saga that is beginning to impact economies around the world, particularly China. However, the Treasury Department told AFP that no formal recommendation had been made by either Mnuchin or Lighthizer in the talks, which were "nowhere near completion". "The US government has said that there have been no formal talks to scale back tariffs, but the market saw the half glass full as the reports signal that concessions are in the works," said Alfonso Esparza, senior market analyst at OANDA. However, there was scepticism among some analysts, with the two sides still far apart on a number of issues, particularly regarding intellectual property. On currency markets, the pound edged up and was sitting around two-month highs against the dollar as dealers bet that Britain would not leave the European Union without a deal. After her grand Brexit plan was soundly rebuffed by MPs this week, British Prime Minister Theresa May has called cross-party talks to put together a "Plan B" by Monday. If that does not work, there is a growing expectation that the March 29 exit deadline will be pushed back to give May more time to reach another deal or possibly call another referendum. Oil prices meanwhile rose on the China-US tariffs report and after OPEC said it had cut output in December before a new agreement to limit supply took effect. Both main contracts are up around a fifth since the end of December, thanks to an agreement to cut output by OPEC and other key producers including Russia. That followed almost three months of losses that wiped around 40 per cent off prices amid concerns supply was running ahead of demand.

Stock markets rebound on China-US trade breakthrough hopes Wrap Markets

China's envoy to Canada warned&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/canada-engaging-in-egotism-and-white-supremacy-over-huawei-vp-meng-chinese-ambassador-lu-shaye-189310">Ottawa there would be repercussions</a> if it banned technology firm Huawei Technologies Co Ltd from supplying equipment to Canadian 5G networks, the latest blast in a deepening bilateral dispute.

Ambassador Lu Shaye, speaking at a news conference, did not give details. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/canada-says-13-citizens-detained-in-china-since-huawei-cfo-arrest-188160">Canada is currently studying the security implications</a> of 5G networks, but unlike some allies has not announced Huawei equipment will be excluded.

"If the Canadian government does ban Huawei from participating in the 5G network, then as for what kind of repercussion there will be, I’m not sure, but I believe there will be repercussions," Lu said through an interpreter, urging Ottawa to "make a wise decision on this issue".

Relations between China and Canada turned frosty last month after Canadian authorities arrested Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Huawei, on a US extradition request.

China subsequently detained two Canadian citizens, and this month a court retried a Canadian man who previously had been found guilty of drug smuggling and sentenced him to death.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Beijing of arbitrarily using the death penalty and called world leaders to solicit their support.

Lu said when Canadian foreign minister Chrystia Freeland went to the World Economic Forum in Davos next week she should avoid "microphone diplomacy" and not try to rally support.

"If Canada has a sincerity of resolving these issues, then Canada will not do such things. We hope Canada thinks twice before making any actions," he said.

In response, Freeland said Canada had no intention of changing its approach.

"We will continue to speak every day with our allies about this situation," she told reporters on the sidelines of a cabinet retreat in Sherbrooke, Quebec.

She declined to give details about the review into 5G technology. A Canadian source directly familiar with the case said the study would not be released in the immediate future.

Huawei has a relatively small Canadian operation, employing just shy of 1,000 people. But the company said early this year it had become the 25th largest research and development funder in Canada, thanks to partnerships with local universities.

On Wednesday, a bipartisan group of US lawmakers introduced bills that would ban the sale of US chips or other components to Huawei, ZTE Corp or other Chinese firms that violate US sanctions or export control laws.

China's envoy to Canada warned Ottawa there would be repercussions if it banned technology firm Huawei Technologies Co Ltd from supplying equipment to Canadian 5G networks, the latest blast in a deepening bilateral dispute.

China's envoy to Canada warned Ottawa there would be repercussions if it banned technology firm Huawei Technologies Co Ltd from supplying equipment to Canadian 5G networks, the latest blast in a deepening bilateral dispute. Ambassador Lu Shaye, speaking at a news conference, did not give details. Canada is currently studying the security implications of 5G networks, but unlike some allies has not announced Huawei equipment will be excluded. "If the Canadian government does ban Huawei from participating in the 5G network, then as for what kind of repercussion there will be, I’m not sure, but I believe there will be repercussions," Lu said through an interpreter, urging Ottawa to "make a wise decision on this issue". Relations between China and Canada turned frosty last month after Canadian authorities arrested Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Huawei, on a US extradition request. China subsequently detained two Canadian citizens, and this month a court retried a Canadian man who previously had been found guilty of drug smuggling and sentenced him to death. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Beijing of arbitrarily using the death penalty and called world leaders to solicit their support. Lu said when Canadian foreign minister Chrystia Freeland went to the World Economic Forum in Davos next week she should avoid "microphone diplomacy" and not try to rally support. "If Canada has a sincerity of resolving these issues, then Canada will not do such things. We hope Canada thinks twice before making any actions," he said. In response, Freeland said Canada had no intention of changing its approach. "We will continue to speak every day with our allies about this situation," she told reporters on the sidelines of a cabinet retreat in Sherbrooke, Quebec. She declined to give details about the review into 5G technology. A Canadian source directly familiar with the case said the study would not be released in the immediate future. Huawei has a relatively small Canadian operation, employing just shy of 1,000 people. But the company said early this year it had become the 25th largest research and development funder in Canada, thanks to partnerships with local universities. On Wednesday, a bipartisan group of US lawmakers introduced bills that would ban the sale of US chips or other components to Huawei, ZTE Corp or other Chinese firms that violate US sanctions or export control laws.

Canadian government banning Huawei 5G network will have repercussions: China

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/asian-markets-sink-after-us-federal-reserve-hikes-rates-185461">Asian markets</a> were mixed Thursday as renewed concerns about<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-engaging-with-china-on-indo-pacific-concept-186852"> China</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/with-china-us-tensions-on-the-rise-does-australia-need-a-new-defence-strategy-178938">-US tensions</a> overshadowed a positive lead from Wall Street following a better-than-expected round of corporate earnings.

The pound extended gains against the dollar after prime minister Theresa May survived a no-confidence vote as she prepares to draw up new proposals to leave the European Union that is palatable to a majority of MPs.

After a tumultuous December, global equities have enjoyed a broadly strong start to the year, largely thanks optimism China and the US will resolve their trade row.

But confidence took a knock Wednesday from a report that said US officials were carrying out a criminal probe into Chinese tech giant Huawei and could soon indict the firm over allegations of theft of trade secrets from its US business partners.

Lawmakers have also introduced a bill to ban the export of American parts and components to Chinese telecom companies that are in violation of US export control or sanctions laws -- with Huawei and fellow Chinese firm ZTE the likely targets.

"Huawei is effectively an intelligence-gathering arm of the Chinese Communist Party whose founder and CEO was an engineer for the People's Liberation Army," said Republican Senator Tom Cotton, one of the bill's sponsors.

The developments follow the arrest last year in Canada of Huawei's chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou, who is the daughter of the company founder and faces extradition to the US on Iran-linked fraud charges.

It also muddies the waters in trade talks between Beijing and Washington, which looked to be on a positive course after officials held three days of talks earlier this month, with both sides seemingly upbeat.

Cost of US shutdown

In early trade, Hong Kong eased 0.1 per cent and Shanghai shed 0.3 per cent while Tokyo was down 0.2 per cent by the break and Singapore slipped 0.4 per cent.

But Sydney edged up 0.1 per cent while Seoul put on 0.2 per cent with Taipei, Wellington, Manila and Jakarta also in positive territory.

On Wall Street, all three main indexes closed with gains after earnings reports from Bank of America and Goldman Sachs that overshot forecasts, while executives said they were confident the US economy was in rude health.

The Federal Reserve's closely followed "Beige Book" report pointed out that while political and trade uncertainty was weighing on business confidence, growth was continuing at a modest pace in most of the country.

However, there are increasing worries about the impact of the US government shutdown as it moves towards a fifth week, with Oxford Economics estimating it is slashing growth by $700 million a week.

On currency markets, the pound edged up against the dollar with dealers optimistic that Britain will not leave the EU without a deal in place, despite May's exit plan being thrown out by MPs Tuesday.

On Wednesday she survived a no-confidence vote and is now planning her next move, with speculation swirling that the March 29 date for leaving will be delayed or another referendum will be called.

"Nothing has happened in the last 24 hours to dissuade us from the view that we are headed in the direction of an (exit) delay, softer Brexit... or no Brexit," said National Australia Bank strategist Ray Attrill.

Asian markets were mixed Thursday as renewed concerns about China-US tensions overshadowed a positive lead from Wall Street following a better-than-expected round of corporate earnings.

Asian markets were mixed Thursday as renewed concerns about China-US tensions overshadowed a positive lead from Wall Street following a better-than-expected round of corporate earnings. The pound extended gains against the dollar after prime minister Theresa May survived a no-confidence vote as she prepares to draw up new proposals to leave the European Union that is palatable to a majority of MPs. After a tumultuous December, global equities have enjoyed a broadly strong start to the year, largely thanks optimism China and the US will resolve their trade row. But confidence took a knock Wednesday from a report that said US officials were carrying out a criminal probe into Chinese tech giant Huawei and could soon indict the firm over allegations of theft of trade secrets from its US business partners. Lawmakers have also introduced a bill to ban the export of American parts and components to Chinese telecom companies that are in violation of US export control or sanctions laws -- with Huawei and fellow Chinese firm ZTE the likely targets. "Huawei is effectively an intelligence-gathering arm of the Chinese Communist Party whose founder and CEO was an engineer for the People's Liberation Army," said Republican Senator Tom Cotton, one of the bill's sponsors. The developments follow the arrest last year in Canada of Huawei's chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou, who is the daughter of the company founder and faces extradition to the US on Iran-linked fraud charges. It also muddies the waters in trade talks between Beijing and Washington, which looked to be on a positive course after officials held three days of talks earlier this month, with both sides seemingly upbeat. Cost of US shutdown In early trade, Hong Kong eased 0.1 per cent and Shanghai shed 0.3 per cent while Tokyo was down 0.2 per cent by the break and Singapore slipped 0.4 per cent. But Sydney edged up 0.1 per cent while Seoul put on 0.2 per cent with Taipei, Wellington, Manila and Jakarta also in positive territory. On Wall Street, all three main indexes closed with gains after earnings reports from Bank of America and Goldman Sachs that overshot forecasts, while executives said they were confident the US economy was in rude health. The Federal Reserve's closely followed "Beige Book" report pointed out that while political and trade uncertainty was weighing on business confidence, growth was continuing at a modest pace in most of the country. However, there are increasing worries about the impact of the US government shutdown as it moves towards a fifth week, with Oxford Economics estimating it is slashing growth by $700 million a week. On currency markets, the pound edged up against the dollar with dealers optimistic that Britain will not leave the EU without a deal in place, despite May's exit plan being thrown out by MPs Tuesday. On Wednesday she survived a no-confidence vote and is now planning her next move, with speculation swirling that the March 29 date for leaving will be delayed or another referendum will be called. "Nothing has happened in the last 24 hours to dissuade us from the view that we are headed in the direction of an (exit) delay, softer Brexit... or no Brexit," said National Australia Bank strategist Ray Attrill.

Asian markets mixed as Huawei report offsets US earnings

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers introduced bills on Wednesday that would ban the sale of US chips or other components to<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-sacks-employee-arrested-in-poland-over-spying-charges-189887&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiIir7g_PPfAhXEEHIKHc1qDPMQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0lukG9fwjPWbxjwiZluhge"> Huawei Technologies Co Ltd</a>, ZTE Corp or other Chinese telecommunications companies that violate US sanctions or export control laws.

The proposed law was introduced shortly before the Wall Street Journal reported federal prosecutors were investigating allegations that Huawei stole trade secrets from T-Mobile US Inc and other US businesses.

The Journal said that an indictment could be coming soon on allegations that Huawei stole T-Mobile technology, called Tappy, which mimicked human fingers and was used to test smartphones.

Huawei said in a statement the company and T-Mobile settled their disputes in 2017 following a US jury verdict that found "neither damage, unjust enrichment nor willful and malicious conduct by Huawei in T-Mobile's trade secret claim".

The legislation is the latest in a long list of actions taken to fight what some in the Trump administration call China's cheating through intellectual property theft, illegal corporate subsidies, and rules hampering US corporations that want to sell their goods in China.

In November, the US Department of Justice unveiled an initiative to investigate China’s trade practices with the goal of bringing trade secret theft cases.

At that time, Washington had announced an indictment against Chinese chipmaker Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit Co Ltd for stealing trade secrets from US semiconductor company Micron Technology relating to research and development of memory storage devices.

Jinhua, which has denied any wrongdoing, was put on a list of entities that cannot buy goods from US firms.

On Capitol Hill, Senator Tom Cotton and Representative Mike Gallagher, both Republicans, along with Senator Chris Van Hollen and Representative Ruben Gallego, both Democrats, introduced the bills that would require the president to ban the export of US components to any Chinese telecommunications company that violates US sanctions or export control laws.

The bills specifically cite ZTE and Huawei, both of which are viewed with suspicion in the United States because of fears that their switches and other gear could be used to spy on Americans. Both have also been accused of failing to respect US sanctions on Iran.

"Huawei is effectively an intelligence-gathering arm of the Chinese Communist Party whose founder and CEO was an engineer for the People's Liberation Army," Cotton wrote in a statement. "If Chinese telecom companies like Huawei violate our sanctions or export control laws, they should receive nothing less than the death penalty - which this denial order would provide."

The proposed law and investigation are two of several challenges that Huawei, the world's biggest telecommunications equipment maker, faces in the US market.

In addition to allegations of sanctions-busting and intellectual property theft, Washington has been pressing allies to refrain from buying Huawei's switches and other gear because of fears they will be used by Beijing for espionage.

Huawei's founder, Ren Zhengfei, denied this week that his company was used by the Chinese government to spy.

Canada detained Ren's daughter, Meng Wanzhou, who is Huawei's chief financial officer, in December at the request of US authorities investigating an alleged scheme to use the global banking system to evade US sanctions against Iran.

For its part, ZTE agreed last year to pay a $1 billion fine to the United States that had been imposed because the company breached a US embargo on trade with Iran.

As part of the agreement, the US lifted a ban in place since April that had prevented ZTE from buying the US components it relies on heavily to make smartphones and other devices.

 
&nbsp;

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers introduced bills on Wednesday that would ban the sale of US chips or other components to Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, ZTE Corp or other Chinese telecommunications companies that violate US sanctions or export control laws.

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers introduced bills on Wednesday that would ban the sale of US chips or other components to Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, ZTE Corp or other Chinese telecommunications companies that violate US sanctions or export control laws. The proposed law was introduced shortly before the Wall Street Journal reported federal prosecutors were investigating allegations that Huawei stole trade secrets from T-Mobile US Inc and other US businesses. The Journal said that an indictment could be coming soon on allegations that Huawei stole T-Mobile technology, called Tappy, which mimicked human fingers and was used to test smartphones. Huawei said in a statement the company and T-Mobile settled their disputes in 2017 following a US jury verdict that found "neither damage, unjust enrichment nor willful and malicious conduct by Huawei in T-Mobile's trade secret claim". The legislation is the latest in a long list of actions taken to fight what some in the Trump administration call China's cheating through intellectual property theft, illegal corporate subsidies, and rules hampering US corporations that want to sell their goods in China. In November, the US Department of Justice unveiled an initiative to investigate China’s trade practices with the goal of bringing trade secret theft cases. At that time, Washington had announced an indictment against Chinese chipmaker Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit Co Ltd for stealing trade secrets from US semiconductor company Micron Technology relating to research and development of memory storage devices. Jinhua, which has denied any wrongdoing, was put on a list of entities that cannot buy goods from US firms. On Capitol Hill, Senator Tom Cotton and Representative Mike Gallagher, both Republicans, along with Senator Chris Van Hollen and Representative Ruben Gallego, both Democrats, introduced the bills that would require the president to ban the export of US components to any Chinese telecommunications company that violates US sanctions or export control laws. The bills specifically cite ZTE and Huawei, both of which are viewed with suspicion in the United States because of fears that their switches and other gear could be used to spy on Americans. Both have also been accused of failing to respect US sanctions on Iran. "Huawei is effectively an intelligence-gathering arm of the Chinese Communist Party whose founder and CEO was an engineer for the People's Liberation Army," Cotton wrote in a statement. "If Chinese telecom companies like Huawei violate our sanctions or export control laws, they should receive nothing less than the death penalty - which this denial order would provide." The proposed law and investigation are two of several challenges that Huawei, the world's biggest telecommunications equipment maker, faces in the US market. In addition to allegations of sanctions-busting and intellectual property theft, Washington has been pressing allies to refrain from buying Huawei's switches and other gear because of fears they will be used by Beijing for espionage. Huawei's founder, Ren Zhengfei, denied this week that his company was used by the Chinese government to spy. Canada detained Ren's daughter, Meng Wanzhou, who is Huawei's chief financial officer, in December at the request of US authorities investigating an alleged scheme to use the global banking system to evade US sanctions against Iran. For its part, ZTE agreed last year to pay a $1 billion fine to the United States that had been imposed because the company breached a US embargo on trade with Iran. As part of the agreement, the US lifted a ban in place since April that had prevented ZTE from buying the US components it relies on heavily to make smartphones and other devices.

US lawmakers introduce bills targeting China's Huawei, ZTE

China denounced Canada on Tuesday for "irresponsible" remarks after<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/china-ignored-diplomatic-immunity-in-detaining-canadian-justin-trudeau-189725&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwj4tfaWz_HfAhXKso8KHVYcBZsQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1O4cZ_Dn61x8P110X8d5df"> Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau</a> accused it of "arbitrarily" sentencing a Canadian to death for drug smuggling, aggravating already icy relations.

Hours later, in an apparent bid to ease tension, Canadian foreign minister Chrystia Freeland spoke of the "very important and long-standing ties" between the two nations.

The countries have been at odds since early December when Canadian police arrested Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-sacks-employee-arrested-in-poland-over-spying-charges-189887&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwit2KnizfHfAhVIwI8KHXbDBIQQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2wJPHa391m-vXI_4HbWvu7">Huawei Technologies </a>Co Ltd, on a US extradition request as part of an investigation into suspected violations of US&nbsp;trade sanctions.

Days later, China detained two Canadians on suspicion of endangering state security.

Monday's death sentence for Canadian Robert Schellenberg for smuggling 222 kg of methamphetamines became the latest strain on ties.

Freeland said Ottawa had formally applied for clemency for Schellenberg, as it usually does in the cases of citizens condemned to death abroad.

"It's normal to have problems but we should also remember that the links between our two countries are very big," she told a televised news conference in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, adding Canada had been in touch with Beijing at a number of levels.

"It is true that this is a difficult moment ... The best thing for both Canada and China and frankly for the whole world is to get past these current difficulties."

Freeland's office did not respond when asked whether she had been trying to defuse tensions with Beijing.

China has not linked any of the three Canadians cases to Meng's arrest but has warned of severe consequences if she was not immediately released. 
Trudeau said it should be of "extreme concern" to Canada's allies, as it was to his government, that China had chosen to "arbitrarily apply" the death penalty.&nbsp;

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying expressed "strong dissatisfaction" with that.

"The remarks by the relevant Canadian person lack the most basic awareness of the legal system," Hua told reporters.

Taking Canada to task for issuing an updated travel advisory warning citizens about the risk of arbitrary enforcement of laws in China, Hua said Canada should instead remind its people to avoid drug smuggling.

"We urge the Canadian side to respect the rule of law, respect China's legal sovereignty, correct its mistakes, and stop making irresponsible remarks," Hua said.

The ministry later issued its own travel warning, citing the "arbitrary detention" of a Chinese national in Canada.

Schellenberg had appealed against an original 15-year prison sentence issued in November, but the court in Liaoning province sided with prosecutors at the retrial that the punishment was too light.

A lawyer for Schellenberg, Zhang Dongshuo, said his client would appeal. 
Freeland said she had spoken to Schellenberg`s father on Monday, adding it had been "a very emotional conversation for him". She gave no details. 
Zhang said there was insufficient evidence to prove Schellenberg was part of a drug syndicate, or that he was involved in smuggling methamphetamines.

Even if the court accepted all the charges, it should not have increased his sentence, given that facts the prosecution gave as new evidence had already been heard, he told Reuters.

"Chinese law stipulates that during an appeal, only if new evidence is discovered and retried can there be an increase in the severity of a sentence," Zhang said.

Schellenberg was arrested in 2014.

Asked about the case, the United Nations noted its opposition to the death penalty apart from exceptional circumstances. 
"The bottom line is that the death penalty shouldn`t be imposed for any crime other than intentional killing," said UN human rights spokesman Rupert Colville.

Asked whether it had concerns about due process, he said: "In China, there is generally a problem of lack of transparency in trials."

Chinese state media has played up coverage of Schellenberg`s case following the deterioration in relations with Canada.&nbsp;

Drug smuggling is punished severely in China, and foreigners convicted of drug crimes have been executed before, including a Briton in 2009.

Schellenberg had faced a number of charges in Canada related to drug possession and trafficking, according to court records. But international rights groups condemned Schellenberg's sentence, with some saying it was too severe and may have been politically motivated.

China denounced Canada on Tuesday for "irresponsible" remarks after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused it of "arbitrarily" sentencing a Canadian to death for drug smuggling, aggravating already icy relations.

China denounced Canada on Tuesday for "irresponsible" remarks after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused it of "arbitrarily" sentencing a Canadian to death for drug smuggling, aggravating already icy relations. Hours later, in an apparent bid to ease tension, Canadian foreign minister Chrystia Freeland spoke of the "very important and long-standing ties" between the two nations. The countries have been at odds since early December when Canadian police arrested Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, on a US extradition request as part of an investigation into suspected violations of US trade sanctions. Days later, China detained two Canadians on suspicion of endangering state security. Monday's death sentence for Canadian Robert Schellenberg for smuggling 222 kg of methamphetamines became the latest strain on ties. Freeland said Ottawa had formally applied for clemency for Schellenberg, as it usually does in the cases of citizens condemned to death abroad. "It's normal to have problems but we should also remember that the links between our two countries are very big," she told a televised news conference in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, adding Canada had been in touch with Beijing at a number of levels. "It is true that this is a difficult moment ... The best thing for both Canada and China and frankly for the whole world is to get past these current difficulties." Freeland's office did not respond when asked whether she had been trying to defuse tensions with Beijing. China has not linked any of the three Canadians cases to Meng's arrest but has warned of severe consequences if she was not immediately released. Trudeau said it should be of "extreme concern" to Canada's allies, as it was to his government, that China had chosen to "arbitrarily apply" the death penalty. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying expressed "strong dissatisfaction" with that. "The remarks by the relevant Canadian person lack the most basic awareness of the legal system," Hua told reporters. Taking Canada to task for issuing an updated travel advisory warning citizens about the risk of arbitrary enforcement of laws in China, Hua said Canada should instead remind its people to avoid drug smuggling. "We urge the Canadian side to respect the rule of law, respect China's legal sovereignty, correct its mistakes, and stop making irresponsible remarks," Hua said. The ministry later issued its own travel warning, citing the "arbitrary detention" of a Chinese national in Canada. Schellenberg had appealed against an original 15-year prison sentence issued in November, but the court in Liaoning province sided with prosecutors at the retrial that the punishment was too light. A lawyer for Schellenberg, Zhang Dongshuo, said his client would appeal. Freeland said she had spoken to Schellenberg`s father on Monday, adding it had been "a very emotional conversation for him". She gave no details. Zhang said there was insufficient evidence to prove Schellenberg was part of a drug syndicate, or that he was involved in smuggling methamphetamines. Even if the court accepted all the charges, it should not have increased his sentence, given that facts the prosecution gave as new evidence had already been heard, he told Reuters. "Chinese law stipulates that during an appeal, only if new evidence is discovered and retried can there be an increase in the severity of a sentence," Zhang said. Schellenberg was arrested in 2014. Asked about the case, the United Nations noted its opposition to the death penalty apart from exceptional circumstances. "The bottom line is that the death penalty shouldn`t be imposed for any crime other than intentional killing," said UN human rights spokesman Rupert Colville. Asked whether it had concerns about due process, he said: "In China, there is generally a problem of lack of transparency in trials." Chinese state media has played up coverage of Schellenberg`s case following the deterioration in relations with Canada. Drug smuggling is punished severely in China, and foreigners convicted of drug crimes have been executed before, including a Briton in 2009. Schellenberg had faced a number of charges in Canada related to drug possession and trafficking, according to court records. But international rights groups condemned Schellenberg's sentence, with some saying it was too severe and may have been politically motivated.

Canada should stop making irresponsible remarks and respect the rule of law: China

Canada urged<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-court-sentences-canadian-to-death-as-diplomatic-row-deepens-190320"> Beijing</a> on Tuesday to grant clemency to a Canadian sentenced to death for drug trafficking after his sentence reignited a diplomatic dispute that began last month.

Ottawa has warned its citizens about the risk of "arbitrary enforcement" of laws in China following a court's sentencing of Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, 36, to death on Monday, increasing a previous 15-year prison term.

The sentence came during a clash between Ottawa and Beijing over Canada's arrest in December of Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of telecom giant Huawei, on a US extradition request related to Iran sanctions violations.

"We have already spoken with China's ambassador to Canada and requested clemency" for Schellenberg, Canada's Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland told reporters in Sainte-Hyacinthe, Quebec.

Earlier, Beijing said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had made "irresponsible remarks" for saying China chose to "arbitrarily apply" death penalties. 
Freeland recalled Canada's long-standing opposition to capital punishment.

"We believe it is inhumane and inappropriate, and wherever the death penalty is considered with regard to a Canadian we speak out against it," she said.

In a move observers see as retaliation over the Huawei case, Chinese authorities detained two other Canadian citizens -- a former diplomat and a business consultant -- on suspicion of endangering national security. 
The timing and swiftness of Schellenberg's sentence and the inclusion of new evidence raised suspicion among observers.

Human Rights Watch executive director Kenneth Roth said China was "playing hostage politics."&nbsp;

In response to Canada's travel advisory on China, Beijing issued a similar response, urging its nationals to "travel cautiously."&nbsp;

China executes one or two foreigners every year -- nearly all for drug offences according to John Kamm, director of the US-based Dui Hua Foundation rights group.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Canada urged Beijing on Tuesday to grant clemency to a Canadian sentenced to death for drug trafficking after his sentence reignited a diplomatic dispute that began last month.

Canada urged Beijing on Tuesday to grant clemency to a Canadian sentenced to death for drug trafficking after his sentence reignited a diplomatic dispute that began last month. Ottawa has warned its citizens about the risk of "arbitrary enforcement" of laws in China following a court's sentencing of Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, 36, to death on Monday, increasing a previous 15-year prison term. The sentence came during a clash between Ottawa and Beijing over Canada's arrest in December of Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of telecom giant Huawei, on a US extradition request related to Iran sanctions violations. "We have already spoken with China's ambassador to Canada and requested clemency" for Schellenberg, Canada's Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland told reporters in Sainte-Hyacinthe, Quebec. Earlier, Beijing said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had made "irresponsible remarks" for saying China chose to "arbitrarily apply" death penalties. Freeland recalled Canada's long-standing opposition to capital punishment. "We believe it is inhumane and inappropriate, and wherever the death penalty is considered with regard to a Canadian we speak out against it," she said. In a move observers see as retaliation over the Huawei case, Chinese authorities detained two other Canadian citizens -- a former diplomat and a business consultant -- on suspicion of endangering national security. The timing and swiftness of Schellenberg's sentence and the inclusion of new evidence raised suspicion among observers. Human Rights Watch executive director Kenneth Roth said China was "playing hostage politics." In response to Canada's travel advisory on China, Beijing issued a similar response, urging its nationals to "travel cautiously." China executes one or two foreigners every year -- nearly all for drug offences according to John Kamm, director of the US-based Dui Hua Foundation rights group.

Canada asks China clemency for convicted drug trafficker

One of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/canada-engaging-in-egotism-and-white-supremacy-over-huawei-vp-meng-chinese-ambassador-lu-shaye-189310">Huawei</a> Canada's top executives on Friday disclosed he was leaving his post after more than seven years with the Chinese telecommunications equipment maker, which is facing heightened scrutiny over security issues from Canada and its allies.

Scott Bradley disclosed his departure as the company's senior vice president for corporate affairs in a post on LinkedIn that did not give a reason for the move. He could not immediately be reached for comment.

Huawei is under intense scrutiny in the West over its relationship with the Chinese government and US-led allegations that its equipment could be used by Beijing for spying.

On Friday, sources told Reuters that Poland arrested a Huawei employee and former Polish security official on spying allegations, a move that could fuel Western concerns about the security of the company's technology.

Bradley was a key public spokesman for Huawei Canada, which has been under the spotlight since Canadian authorities in December arrested the chief financial officer of its parent company at the request of the United States.

Huawei is a major supplier of telecommunications equipment in Canada, where Bradley had served as chair of the 5G Canada Council, a national trade group promoting adoption of next-generation high-speed wireless technology.

The Canadian government last year launched a new security review of Huawei's 5G technology, which at least two major Canadian carriers have said they plan to test in small-scale pilots.

Bradley will serve as special adviser to the company, assisting the company "as required," Huawei Canada President Eric Li said in a memo to staff that was obtained by Reuters.

"We are saddened to see him leave but grateful for the tireless work he has put in to help us grow our brand and public image, and build various relationships with government," Li said.

Bradley confirmed on LinkedIn that he intended to advise the company.

"As we start 2019, it is time for a change," Bradley said in the post. "I continue to believe passionately in all of the values our Canadian team represents, and I believe that our team is one of the most innovative in the world."

One of Huawei Canada's top executives on Friday disclosed he was leaving his post after more than seven years with the Chinese telecommunications equipment maker, which is facing heightened scrutiny over security issues from Canada and its allies.

One of Huawei Canada's top executives on Friday disclosed he was leaving his post after more than seven years with the Chinese telecommunications equipment maker, which is facing heightened scrutiny over security issues from Canada and its allies. Scott Bradley disclosed his departure as the company's senior vice president for corporate affairs in a post on LinkedIn that did not give a reason for the move. He could not immediately be reached for comment. Huawei is under intense scrutiny in the West over its relationship with the Chinese government and US-led allegations that its equipment could be used by Beijing for spying. On Friday, sources told Reuters that Poland arrested a Huawei employee and former Polish security official on spying allegations, a move that could fuel Western concerns about the security of the company's technology. Bradley was a key public spokesman for Huawei Canada, which has been under the spotlight since Canadian authorities in December arrested the chief financial officer of its parent company at the request of the United States. Huawei is a major supplier of telecommunications equipment in Canada, where Bradley had served as chair of the 5G Canada Council, a national trade group promoting adoption of next-generation high-speed wireless technology. The Canadian government last year launched a new security review of Huawei's 5G technology, which at least two major Canadian carriers have said they plan to test in small-scale pilots. Bradley will serve as special adviser to the company, assisting the company "as required," Huawei Canada President Eric Li said in a memo to staff that was obtained by Reuters. "We are saddened to see him leave but grateful for the tireless work he has put in to help us grow our brand and public image, and build various relationships with government," Li said. Bradley confirmed on LinkedIn that he intended to advise the company. "As we start 2019, it is time for a change," Bradley said in the post. "I continue to believe passionately in all of the values our Canadian team represents, and I believe that our team is one of the most innovative in the world."

Huawei Canada executive Scott Bradley leaves post as scrutiny of company grows

A day after Poland arrested<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/poland-arrests-chinese-employee-of-huawei-over-spying-allegations-189601"> Chinese employee of Huawei along with a Polish national over espionage allegations</a>, the telecom equipment maker&nbsp;terminated its employee saying that he had harmed the company's global reputation.

"This incident created harmful effects on Huawei's global reputation," news agency AFP quoted the company as saying.

Citing management rules in company contracts, Huawei said it "has decided to immediately terminate its employer relationship with Wang Weijing."

"Huawei has always abided by applicable laws and regulations of the country where it is located... and requires all employees to abide by the country's laws and regulations," it said.

Huawei, the world’s biggest producer of telecoms equipment, faces intense scrutiny in the West over its relationship with the Chinese government and US-led allegations that its equipment could be used by Beijing for spying.

Polish authorities on Friday arrested Wang Weijing and a former Polish security official on spying allegations, a move that could fuel Western security concerns about the telecoms equipment maker.

Reacting to the Weijing's arrest China had said that it was "highly concerned" by the arrest.&nbsp;

"We require relevant countries to handle relevant cases fairly and in accordance with the law, and earnestly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the person concerned," news agency AFP quoted Chinese foreign ministry as saying.

In December, Canadian authorities arrested a top Huawei executive, Meng Wanzhou, at the behest of US authorities as part of an investigation into alleged violations of US trade sanctions.

US intelligence agencies allege Huawei is linked to China's government and that its equipment could contain "back doors" for use by government spies. No evidence has been produced publicly and the firm has repeatedly denied the claims.

The US criticism has led to a number of Western countries and companies to review whether they should allow Huawei's equipment to be used in their telecoms networks.

(With inputs from news agencies) 
&nbsp;

A day after Poland arrested Chinese employee of Huawei along with a Polish national over espionage allegations, the telecom equipment maker terminated its employee saying that he had harmed the company's global reputation.

A day after Poland arrested Chinese employee of Huawei along with a Polish national over espionage allegations, the telecom equipment maker terminated its employee saying that he had harmed the company's global reputation. "This incident created harmful effects on Huawei's global reputation," news agency AFP quoted the company as saying. Citing management rules in company contracts, Huawei said it "has decided to immediately terminate its employer relationship with Wang Weijing." "Huawei has always abided by applicable laws and regulations of the country where it is located... and requires all employees to abide by the country's laws and regulations," it said. Huawei, the world’s biggest producer of telecoms equipment, faces intense scrutiny in the West over its relationship with the Chinese government and US-led allegations that its equipment could be used by Beijing for spying. Polish authorities on Friday arrested Wang Weijing and a former Polish security official on spying allegations, a move that could fuel Western security concerns about the telecoms equipment maker. Reacting to the Weijing's arrest China had said that it was "highly concerned" by the arrest. "We require relevant countries to handle relevant cases fairly and in accordance with the law, and earnestly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the person concerned," news agency AFP quoted Chinese foreign ministry as saying. In December, Canadian authorities arrested a top Huawei executive, Meng Wanzhou, at the behest of US authorities as part of an investigation into alleged violations of US trade sanctions. US intelligence agencies allege Huawei is linked to China's government and that its equipment could contain "back doors" for use by government spies. No evidence has been produced publicly and the firm has repeatedly denied the claims. The US criticism has led to a number of Western countries and companies to review whether they should allow Huawei's equipment to be used in their telecoms networks. (With inputs from news agencies)

Huawei sacks employee arrested in Poland over spying charges

Poland has arrested a Chinese employee of Huawei and a Polish national involved in cyber business on allegations of spying, Polish media reported on Friday, deepening the controversy over Western criticism of the Chinese telecoms equipment maker.

Polish public TV channel TVP said security services had also searched the local offices of Huawei Technologies Cos Ltd, as well as the offices of telecoms firm Orange Polska, where it said the Polish national works.

Orange said in a statement the security agency had on Tuesday gathered materials related to an employee, whom it did not identify. The company added that it did not know if the investigation was linked to the employee's professional work and that it would continue to cooperate with the authorities.

Meanwhile, China&nbsp;said that it was "highly concerned" by the arrest of a Chinese businessman over espionage allegations in Poland.&nbsp;

"We require relevant countries to handle relevant cases fairly and in accordance with the law, and earnestly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the person concerned," the Chinese foreign ministry said in a faxed statement to AFP.

"Huawei complies with all applicable laws and regulations in the countries where it operates, and we require every employee to abide by the laws and regulations in the countries where they are based," the company said.

Huawei Poland did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. Huawei in China could not immediately be reached for comment.

In December, Canadian authorities arrested a top Huawei executive, Meng Wanzhou, at the behest of US&nbsp;authorities as part of an investigation into alleged violations of US&nbsp;trade sanctions.

US&nbsp;intelligence agencies allege Huawei is linked to China's government and that its equipment could contain "backdoors" for use by government spies. No evidence has been produced publicly and the firm has repeatedly denied the claims.

The US criticism has led to a number of Western countries and companies to review whether they should allow Huawei's equipment to be used in their telecoms networks.

"The Chinese national is a businessman working in a major electronics company ... the Pole is a person known in circles associated with cyber business," Maciej Wasik, the deputy head of Poland's special services, told state news agency PAP.

The arrested pair will be held for three months, PAP reported, citing the spokesperson for Poland's head of special services.

TVP said the Polish national was a former agent of the internal security agency. The agency did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment.

Poland has arrested a Chinese employee of Huawei and a Polish national involved in cyber business on allegations of spying, Polish media reported on Friday, deepening the controversy over Western criticism of the Chinese telecoms equipment maker.

Poland has arrested a Chinese employee of Huawei and a Polish national involved in cyber business on allegations of spying, Polish media reported on Friday, deepening the controversy over Western criticism of the Chinese telecoms equipment maker. Polish public TV channel TVP said security services had also searched the local offices of Huawei Technologies Cos Ltd, as well as the offices of telecoms firm Orange Polska, where it said the Polish national works. Orange said in a statement the security agency had on Tuesday gathered materials related to an employee, whom it did not identify. The company added that it did not know if the investigation was linked to the employee's professional work and that it would continue to cooperate with the authorities. Meanwhile, China said that it was "highly concerned" by the arrest of a Chinese businessman over espionage allegations in Poland. "We require relevant countries to handle relevant cases fairly and in accordance with the law, and earnestly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the person concerned," the Chinese foreign ministry said in a faxed statement to AFP. "Huawei complies with all applicable laws and regulations in the countries where it operates, and we require every employee to abide by the laws and regulations in the countries where they are based," the company said. Huawei Poland did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. Huawei in China could not immediately be reached for comment. In December, Canadian authorities arrested a top Huawei executive, Meng Wanzhou, at the behest of US authorities as part of an investigation into alleged violations of US trade sanctions. US intelligence agencies allege Huawei is linked to China's government and that its equipment could contain "backdoors" for use by government spies. No evidence has been produced publicly and the firm has repeatedly denied the claims. The US criticism has led to a number of Western countries and companies to review whether they should allow Huawei's equipment to be used in their telecoms networks. "The Chinese national is a businessman working in a major electronics company ... the Pole is a person known in circles associated with cyber business," Maciej Wasik, the deputy head of Poland's special services, told state news agency PAP. The arrested pair will be held for three months, PAP reported, citing the spokesperson for Poland's head of special services. TVP said the Polish national was a former agent of the internal security agency. The agency did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment.

Poland arrests Chinese Huawei employee, polish national over spying allegations

A Chinese envoy on Wednesday accused Canada and its<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/canada-says-13-citizens-detained-in-china-since-huawei-cfo-arrest-188160"> allies of "Western egotism and white supremacy" </a>for demanding the immediate release of two Canadians held for alleged spying.

In a letter published by The Hill Times newspaper, China's ambassador to Canada Lu Shaye also criticized the "groundless" detention of a top Chinese tech executive at the request of the United States.

China detained former <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-should-free-canadians-held-after-huawei-arrest-uss-pompeo-says-184185">diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman</a> Michael Spavor last month, accusing them both of activities that "endanger China's security" -- a phrase often used by Beijing when alleging espionage.

The arrests are thought to be in retaliation against Canada's December 1st arrest of Huawei vice president Meng Wanzhou, who is accused of violating Iran sanctions.

"It's understandable that these Canadians are concerned about their own citizens. But have they shown any concern or sympathy for Meng after she was illegally detained and deprived of freedom?" Lu wrote in the Ottawa newspaper.

"It seems that, to some people, only Canadian citizens shall be treated in a humanitarian manner and their freedom deemed valuable, while Chinese people do not deserve that," he said.

"The reason why some people are used to arrogantly adopting double standards is due to Western egotism and white supremacy."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and US President Donald Trump in a telephone call on Monday denounced the "arbitrary" detentions of Kovrig and Spavor.

Australia, Britain, France, Japan, Germany and the European Union have also made statements in support of Canada.

Meng is currently living in a luxury home in Vancouver after being released on bail pending the outcome of an extradition hearing.

She is required to wear an electronic anklet to monitor her movements and has an 11:00 pm to 7:00 am curfew.

Meanwhile, a group of Canadian parliamentarians visiting China this week complained to officials that Kovrig and Spavor have been granted few consular visits, denied access to lawyers, and remain in "completely unacceptable" detention conditions.

A Chinese envoy on Wednesday accused Canada and its allies of "Western egotism and white supremacy" for demanding the immediate release of two Canadians held for alleged spying.

A Chinese envoy on Wednesday accused Canada and its allies of "Western egotism and white supremacy" for demanding the immediate release of two Canadians held for alleged spying. In a letter published by The Hill Times newspaper, China's ambassador to Canada Lu Shaye also criticized the "groundless" detention of a top Chinese tech executive at the request of the United States. China detained former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor last month, accusing them both of activities that "endanger China's security" -- a phrase often used by Beijing when alleging espionage. The arrests are thought to be in retaliation against Canada's December 1st arrest of Huawei vice president Meng Wanzhou, who is accused of violating Iran sanctions. "It's understandable that these Canadians are concerned about their own citizens. But have they shown any concern or sympathy for Meng after she was illegally detained and deprived of freedom?" Lu wrote in the Ottawa newspaper. "It seems that, to some people, only Canadian citizens shall be treated in a humanitarian manner and their freedom deemed valuable, while Chinese people do not deserve that," he said. "The reason why some people are used to arrogantly adopting double standards is due to Western egotism and white supremacy." Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and US President Donald Trump in a telephone call on Monday denounced the "arbitrary" detentions of Kovrig and Spavor. Australia, Britain, France, Japan, Germany and the European Union have also made statements in support of Canada. Meng is currently living in a luxury home in Vancouver after being released on bail pending the outcome of an extradition hearing. She is required to wear an electronic anklet to monitor her movements and has an 11:00 pm to 7:00 am curfew. Meanwhile, a group of Canadian parliamentarians visiting China this week complained to officials that Kovrig and Spavor have been granted few consular visits, denied access to lawyers, and remain in "completely unacceptable" detention conditions.

Canada engaging in white supremacy over Huawei VP Meng: Chinese ambassador Lu Shaye

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/samsung-electronics-apologises-to-workers-over-cancer-cases-in-semiconductor-factories-178875">Samsung Electronics </a>on Tuesday flagged its first quarterly profit drop in two years and painted a grim outlook owing to mounting competition from Chinese smartphone makers and declining chip prices.

The shock warning added to concerns about the broader tech sector after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/apple-inks-deal-with-samsung-to-distribute-itunes-shows-on-tvs-188696">Apple sent shudders</a> through world markets last week by slashing its revenue forecast blaming weak sales in China and citing the trade war.

Samsung — the world's top maker of smartphones and memory chips — has enjoyed record profits in recent years despite a series of setbacks, including a humiliating recall and the jailing of its de facto chief.

But operating profit during the October to December period was expected to be around 10.8 trillion won ($9.8 billion), down 28.7 per cent from a year earlier, Samsung said in an earnings estimate.

The figure was below market consensus of about 13.5 trillion won, according to market researcher FnGuide.

Sales dropped more than 10 per cent to 59 trillion won in the period, Samsung said.

It cited "lacklustre demand in the memory business and intensifying competition in the smartphone business" for the dismal outlook.

"Memory earnings fell significantly... due to weaker-than-expected demand amid inventory adjustments at data-centre customers," which led to a "greater-than-expected" drop in chip prices, it said.

"We expect earnings to remain subdued in the first quarter of 2019 due to difficult conditions for the memory business but strengthen in the second half."

But analyst Kim Sun-woo of Meritz Securities said worsening supply and demand for semiconductors and the structural challenges facing Samsung's smartphone business will hit profits throughout 2019.

Demand for DRAM memory chips "will hit a low in the fourth quarter of 2019", he added.

Samsung withholds net profit and sector-by-sector business performance data until it releases its final earnings report, which is expected later this month.

For 2018, the firm expects operating profit of 58.9 trillion won, up nearly 10 per cent on-year, and sales to inch up 1.6 per cent to 243.5 trillion won.

Shares in Samsung Electronics, the flagship subsidiary of the Samsung Group that dominates South Korea's economy, were down 0.5 per cent in afternoon trading.

Last week Apple said it expected to earn $84 billion in October-December, well down from the $89-$93 billion previously forecast as it blamed a steeper-than-expected "economic deceleration" in China and emerging markets.

The news battered world equities, with observers saying problems at the usually reliable US titan could point to broader demand weakness and the China-US trade war cited as a key factor.

"When Apple sounded the alarm bells for last quarter results, there was some thought the drops in China sales was an anti-Apple backlash due to escalating US-China tensions," said Stephen Innes, head of Asia-Pacific trade at OANDA. "But these Samsung results are quite damning suggesting there... (is) a broader-based retail and manufacturer slowdown afoot."

While Samsung leads the global smartphone market with a 20 per cent share, it faces mounting competition from Chinese rivals like Huawei — which surpassed Apple to take second place last year — offering quality devices at cheaper prices.

"Samsung is losing ground to Huawei, Xiaomi and other Chinese rivals in the huge China and India markets," Neil Mawston, executive director at market researcher Strategy Analytics, said in a report.

Samsung once also had a 20 per cent market share in China but has seen its sales tumble to less than one per cent of the world's largest smartphone market in the third quarter, and last month announced the closure of its factory in Tianjin.

It will reportedly roll out a new line-up of its flagship Galaxy handsets at next month's World Mobile Congress in Barcelona as it seeks to regain a competitive edge in a market segment it once dominated.

Samsung is also set to introduce the world's first bendable smartphone in the first half.

Its reputation suffered a major blow after a damaging worldwide recall of its Galaxy Note 7 devices over exploding batteries in 2016, which cost the firm billions of dollars and shattered its global brand image.

It also took another hit after the bribery conviction of Lee Jae-Yong — the son and heir of the group's ailing current chairman Lee Kun-hee.

The 50-year-old scion was a key figure in the scandal that ousted former South Korean president Park Geun-Hye following massive nationwide protests and was sentenced to five years in jail last year.

But he was released from jail in February last year after several of his convictions were quashed on appeal.

Samsung has enjoyed record profits in recent years despite a series of setbacks, including a humiliating recall and the jailing of its de facto chief.

Samsung Electronics on Tuesday flagged its first quarterly profit drop in two years and painted a grim outlook owing to mounting competition from Chinese smartphone makers and declining chip prices. The shock warning added to concerns about the broader tech sector after Apple sent shudders through world markets last week by slashing its revenue forecast blaming weak sales in China and citing the trade war. Samsung — the world's top maker of smartphones and memory chips — has enjoyed record profits in recent years despite a series of setbacks, including a humiliating recall and the jailing of its de facto chief. But operating profit during the October to December period was expected to be around 10.8 trillion won ($9.8 billion), down 28.7 per cent from a year earlier, Samsung said in an earnings estimate. The figure was below market consensus of about 13.5 trillion won, according to market researcher FnGuide. Sales dropped more than 10 per cent to 59 trillion won in the period, Samsung said. It cited "lacklustre demand in the memory business and intensifying competition in the smartphone business" for the dismal outlook. "Memory earnings fell significantly... due to weaker-than-expected demand amid inventory adjustments at data-centre customers," which led to a "greater-than-expected" drop in chip prices, it said. "We expect earnings to remain subdued in the first quarter of 2019 due to difficult conditions for the memory business but strengthen in the second half." But analyst Kim Sun-woo of Meritz Securities said worsening supply and demand for semiconductors and the structural challenges facing Samsung's smartphone business will hit profits throughout 2019. Demand for DRAM memory chips "will hit a low in the fourth quarter of 2019", he added. Samsung withholds net profit and sector-by-sector business performance data until it releases its final earnings report, which is expected later this month. For 2018, the firm expects operating profit of 58.9 trillion won, up nearly 10 per cent on-year, and sales to inch up 1.6 per cent to 243.5 trillion won. Shares in Samsung Electronics, the flagship subsidiary of the Samsung Group that dominates South Korea's economy, were down 0.5 per cent in afternoon trading. Last week Apple said it expected to earn $84 billion in October-December, well down from the $89-$93 billion previously forecast as it blamed a steeper-than-expected "economic deceleration" in China and emerging markets. The news battered world equities, with observers saying problems at the usually reliable US titan could point to broader demand weakness and the China-US trade war cited as a key factor. "When Apple sounded the alarm bells for last quarter results, there was some thought the drops in China sales was an anti-Apple backlash due to escalating US-China tensions," said Stephen Innes, head of Asia-Pacific trade at OANDA. "But these Samsung results are quite damning suggesting there... (is) a broader-based retail and manufacturer slowdown afoot." While Samsung leads the global smartphone market with a 20 per cent share, it faces mounting competition from Chinese rivals like Huawei — which surpassed Apple to take second place last year — offering quality devices at cheaper prices. "Samsung is losing ground to Huawei, Xiaomi and other Chinese rivals in the huge China and India markets," Neil Mawston, executive director at market researcher Strategy Analytics, said in a report. Samsung once also had a 20 per cent market share in China but has seen its sales tumble to less than one per cent of the world's largest smartphone market in the third quarter, and last month announced the closure of its factory in Tianjin. It will reportedly roll out a new line-up of its flagship Galaxy handsets at next month's World Mobile Congress in Barcelona as it seeks to regain a competitive edge in a market segment it once dominated. Samsung is also set to introduce the world's first bendable smartphone in the first half. Its reputation suffered a major blow after a damaging worldwide recall of its Galaxy Note 7 devices over exploding batteries in 2016, which cost the firm billions of dollars and shattered its global brand image. It also took another hit after the bribery conviction of Lee Jae-Yong — the son and heir of the group's ailing current chairman Lee Kun-hee. The 50-year-old scion was a key figure in the scandal that ousted former South Korean president Park Geun-Hye following massive nationwide protests and was sentenced to five years in jail last year. But he was released from jail in February last year after several of his convictions were quashed on appeal.

Samsung Electronics flags near 30% slump in Q4 operating profit

China's Huawei Technologies has punished two employees for New Year greetings sent on the smartphone maker's official Twitter account using an iPhone, an internal memo showed.

Huawei, whose P-series handsets compete with Apple's iPhone, on New Year's Day wished followers a "Happy #2019" in a tweet marked sent "via Twitter for iPhone".

The tweet was quickly removed but screenshots of the blunder spread across social media.

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The Brand <a href="https://twitter.com/Huawei?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Huawei</a> who claim to make best android phones started their 1st New Year from <a href="https://twitter.com/Apple?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Apple</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/iPhone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#iPhone</a>. Amazing New Year 2019 <a href="https://t.co/fMRAtHOHqF">pic.twitter.com/fMRAtHOHqF</a>
— Tech Ghost (@akashtg6) <a href="https://twitter.com/akashtg6/status/1080902779256930304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"The traitor has revealed himself," quipped one user on microblog Weibo, in a comment 'liked' over 600 times.

In an internal Huawei memo dated January 3 seen by Reuters, corporate senior vice-president and director of the board Chen Lifang said, "the incident caused damage to the Huawei brand".

The mistake occurred when outsourced social media handler Sapient experienced "VPN problems" with a desktop computer so used an iPhone with a roaming SIM card in order to send the message on time at midnight, Huawei said in the memo.

Twitter, like several foreign services such as those from Facebook Inc and Alphabet Inc, is blocked in China, where the Internet is heavily censored. To gain access, users need a virtual private network (VPN) connection.

Huawei, which overtook Apple as the world's second-largest smartphone vendor by volume in January-September, declined to comment on internal issues.

Sapient did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent via the contact form on its website. Calls to its Beijing office went unanswered.

Huawei in the memo said the blunder showed "procedural incompliance" and management oversight. It said it had demoted two employees responsible by one rank and reduced their monthly salaries by 5,000 yuan ($728.27).

The pay rank of one of the employees - Huawei's digital marketing director - will also be frozen for 12 months, it said.

It is not the first time use of the Apple product has given cause for embarrassment.

Hu Xijin, editor-in-chief of nationalistic tabloid Global Times, was mocked online last year after he used his iPhone when expressing support for Huawei and domestic peer ZTE Corp. He later said his actions were not hypocritical as foreign brands should not be discriminated against.

China's Huawei Technologies has punished two employees for New Year greetings sent on the smartphone maker's official Twitter account using an iPhone, an internal memo showed.

China's Huawei Technologies has punished two employees for New Year greetings sent on the smartphone maker's official Twitter account using an iPhone, an internal memo showed. Huawei, whose P-series handsets compete with Apple's iPhone, on New Year's Day wished followers a "Happy #2019" in a tweet marked sent "via Twitter for iPhone". The tweet was quickly removed but screenshots of the blunder spread across social media. The Brand @Huawei who claim to make best android phones started their 1st New Year from @Apple #iPhone. Amazing New Year 2019 pic.twitter.com/fMRAtHOHqF — Tech Ghost (@akashtg6) January 3, 2019 × "The traitor has revealed himself," quipped one user on microblog Weibo, in a comment 'liked' over 600 times. In an internal Huawei memo dated January 3 seen by Reuters, corporate senior vice-president and director of the board Chen Lifang said, "the incident caused damage to the Huawei brand". The mistake occurred when outsourced social media handler Sapient experienced "VPN problems" with a desktop computer so used an iPhone with a roaming SIM card in order to send the message on time at midnight, Huawei said in the memo. Twitter, like several foreign services such as those from Facebook Inc and Alphabet Inc, is blocked in China, where the Internet is heavily censored. To gain access, users need a virtual private network (VPN) connection. Huawei, which overtook Apple as the world's second-largest smartphone vendor by volume in January-September, declined to comment on internal issues. Sapient did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent via the contact form on its website. Calls to its Beijing office went unanswered. Huawei in the memo said the blunder showed "procedural incompliance" and management oversight. It said it had demoted two employees responsible by one rank and reduced their monthly salaries by 5,000 yuan ($728.27). The pay rank of one of the employees - Huawei's digital marketing director - will also be frozen for 12 months, it said. It is not the first time use of the Apple product has given cause for embarrassment. Hu Xijin, editor-in-chief of nationalistic tabloid Global Times, was mocked online last year after he used his iPhone when expressing support for Huawei and domestic peer ZTE Corp. He later said his actions were not hypocritical as foreign brands should not be discriminated against.

Huawei employees who used iPhone to post New Year greeting on its Twitter handle punished

Huawei gets Nepal contract sans tender

Chinese firms are encouraging staff to buy Huawei smartphones following Canada’s arrest of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/britain-voices-grave-concerns-over-chinas-huawei-186842">a top Huawei executive</a> on a US extradition request, which has triggered an outpouring of nationalist support.

Several companies are offering employees subsidies for Huawei phone purchases, while others have even warned staff against buying Apple products.&nbsp;

In eastern China, Fuchun Technology said "nearly sixty" out of its 200 employees have taken advantage of 100 to 500 yuan ($15 to $29) Huawei phone subsidies as of Saturday.&nbsp;

Another tech firm, Chengdu RYD Information Technology, has offered 15 per cent subsidies, though it declined to disclose how many employees have actually taken advantage of the benefits.

"We are supportive of good China-made brands," a spokeswoman told AFP, adding that the subsidies are part of employee benefits and were not "guided by the government."

One company has even threatened to fine employees who buy iPhones, charging them 100 per cent of the smartphone's market price.&nbsp;

"Stop buying US brands for company equipment," Shenzhen-based Men pad said in an internal notice, confirmed by AFP.

The surge of patriotism began after Meng Wanzhou, Huawei’s chief financial officer, was detained in Canada on December 1 on a US extradition request linked to sanctions-breaking business dealings with Iran.

She has since been released on bail pending her <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-mulls-new-year-executive-order-to-bar-huawei-zte-purchases-186787">US extradition hearing</a> and is now living under electronic surveillance in a luxury home in Vancouver.

Ottawa has repeatedly said Meng's arrest was not political but rather part of a judicial process in keeping with an extradition treaty with Washington.

But some in China see Meng's arrest as part of a broader conspiracy to suppress China's high-tech enterprises, with nationalist tabloid Global Times accusing Washington of "resorting to a despicable rogue's approach" because it cannot stop Huawei's progress in the 5G market.

The internal notices announcing the Huawei subsidies started circulating on China’s Twitter-like Weibo earlier this month, and have split Chinese internet opinion.

Some users were in favour of buying phones in the name of patriotism, while others questioned whether or not Chinese firms were simply leveraging Huawei's case as a marketing strategy or branding opportunity.

"Those companies are conscientious for standing by Huawei’s side," praised one Weibo user, using a thumb's up emoji. "The government should also publish an official document to support domestic brands."

But another user, who said they supported Huawei, criticised the practice of punishing staff who purchase Apple products. To win respect, domestic tech brands should "keep fighting despite setbacks and adopt an attitude of not accepting defeat," they said.

Chinese firms are encouraging staff to buy Huawei smartphones following Canada’s arrest of a top Huawei executive on a US extradition request, which has triggered an outpouring of nationalist support.

Chinese firms are encouraging staff to buy Huawei smartphones following Canada’s arrest of a top Huawei executive on a US extradition request, which has triggered an outpouring of nationalist support. Several companies are offering employees subsidies for Huawei phone purchases, while others have even warned staff against buying Apple products. In eastern China, Fuchun Technology said "nearly sixty" out of its 200 employees have taken advantage of 100 to 500 yuan ($15 to $29) Huawei phone subsidies as of Saturday. Another tech firm, Chengdu RYD Information Technology, has offered 15 per cent subsidies, though it declined to disclose how many employees have actually taken advantage of the benefits. "We are supportive of good China-made brands," a spokeswoman told AFP, adding that the subsidies are part of employee benefits and were not "guided by the government." One company has even threatened to fine employees who buy iPhones, charging them 100 per cent of the smartphone's market price. "Stop buying US brands for company equipment," Shenzhen-based Men pad said in an internal notice, confirmed by AFP. The surge of patriotism began after Meng Wanzhou, Huawei’s chief financial officer, was detained in Canada on December 1 on a US extradition request linked to sanctions-breaking business dealings with Iran. She has since been released on bail pending her US extradition hearing and is now living under electronic surveillance in a luxury home in Vancouver. Ottawa has repeatedly said Meng's arrest was not political but rather part of a judicial process in keeping with an extradition treaty with Washington. But some in China see Meng's arrest as part of a broader conspiracy to suppress China's high-tech enterprises, with nationalist tabloid Global Times accusing Washington of "resorting to a despicable rogue's approach" because it cannot stop Huawei's progress in the 5G market. The internal notices announcing the Huawei subsidies started circulating on China’s Twitter-like Weibo earlier this month, and have split Chinese internet opinion. Some users were in favour of buying phones in the name of patriotism, while others questioned whether or not Chinese firms were simply leveraging Huawei's case as a marketing strategy or branding opportunity. "Those companies are conscientious for standing by Huawei’s side," praised one Weibo user, using a thumb's up emoji. "The government should also publish an official document to support domestic brands." But another user, who said they supported Huawei, criticised the practice of punishing staff who purchase Apple products. To win respect, domestic tech brands should "keep fighting despite setbacks and adopt an attitude of not accepting defeat," they said.

Chinese firms support Huawei phones by offering subsidies

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-outlines-plan-to-confidence-building-measures-with-afghan-taliban-offers-safety-network-to-rebels-186849">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-outlines-plan-to-confidence-building-measures-with-afghan-taliban-offers-safety-network-to-rebels-186849"> outlines </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-outlines-plan-to-confidence-building-measures-with-afghan-taliban-offers-safety-network-to-rebels-186849">plan</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-outlines-plan-to-confidence-building-measures-with-afghan-taliban-offers-safety-network-to-rebels-186849"> to confidence-building measures with Afghan Taliban; offers safety network to rebels</a>

As the world powers including Russia, Iran are holding talks with Taliban leaders to seek a way out of the Afghan conflict, the United States has outlined a plan to carry out confidence-building measures to persuade the rebels to join the peace process.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/triple-talaq-debate-centre-says-dont-use-a-political-prism-opposition-wants-bill-to-go-to-parliament-panel-186835">Triple talaq debate: Centre says don't use a political prism, </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/triple-talaq-debate-centre-says-dont-use-a-political-prism-opposition-wants-bill-to-go-to-parliament-panel-186835">opposition</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/triple-talaq-debate-centre-says-dont-use-a-political-prism-opposition-wants-bill-to-go-to-parliament-panel-186835"> wants </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/triple-talaq-debate-centre-says-dont-use-a-political-prism-opposition-wants-bill-to-go-to-parliament-panel-186835">bill</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/triple-talaq-debate-centre-says-dont-use-a-political-prism-opposition-wants-bill-to-go-to-parliament-panel-186835"> to go to parliament panel</a>

Asserting that the triple talaq bill is about "Insaaniyat aur insaaf", the government on Thursday said the legislation should not be weighed on the scales of politics while a united opposition strongly demanded that it should be referred to a joint select committee of Parliament, dubbing its provisions "unconstitutional".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/britain-voices-grave-concerns-over-chinas-huawei-186842">Britain voices 'grave' concerns over China's Huawei</a>

British Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has warned of his "very deep concerns" about Chinese technology giant Huawei being involved in the use of 5G on Britain's mobile network, &nbsp;The Times reported Thursday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-election-campaign-marred-by-violence-ends-with-opposition-fearing-unfair-voting-186839">Bangladesh: Violent election campaign ends with opposition fearing unfair voting</a>

Bangladesh's deadly election campaign entered a final full day Thursday with followers of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina parading in the streets while her opponents insisted the vote would not be free and fair.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kartarpur-corridor-high-point-of-diplomacy-for-imran-khan-government-pakistan-186836">Kartarpur corridor 'high point of diplomacy' for Imran Khan government: Pakistan</a>

Pakistan on Thursday described the Kartarpur corridor as the "high point of diplomacy" for the Imran Khan government while admitted that there was "no progress" on the contentious issues with India.

&nbsp;

US outlines plan to confidence-building measures with Afghan Taliban; offers safety network to rebels As the world powers including Russia, Iran are holding talks with Taliban leaders to seek a way out of the Afghan conflict, the United States has outlined a plan to carry out confidence-building measures to persuade the rebels to join the peace process. Triple talaq debate: Centre says don't use a political prism, opposition wants bill to go to parliament panel Asserting that the triple talaq bill is about "Insaaniyat aur insaaf", the government on Thursday said the legislation should not be weighed on the scales of politics while a united opposition strongly demanded that it should be referred to a joint select committee of Parliament, dubbing its provisions "unconstitutional". Britain voices 'grave' concerns over China's Huawei British Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has warned of his "very deep concerns" about Chinese technology giant Huawei being involved in the use of 5G on Britain's mobile network, The Times reported Thursday. Bangladesh: Violent election campaign ends with opposition fearing unfair voting Bangladesh's deadly election campaign entered a final full day Thursday with followers of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina parading in the streets while her opponents insisted the vote would not be free and fair. Kartarpur corridor 'high point of diplomacy' for Imran Khan government: Pakistan Pakistan on Thursday described the Kartarpur corridor as the "high point of diplomacy" for the Imran Khan government while admitted that there was "no progress" on the contentious issues with India.

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