China's Huawei is set to explore a strategic shift as it is planning to make electric vehicles under its own brand and could launch some models this year.

Huawei Technologies Co Ltd is in talks with state-owned Changan Automobile and other automakers to use their car plants to make its electric vehicles (EVs), according to a report by Reuters.

Huawei is also in discussions with Beijing-backed BAIC Group's BluePark New Energy Technology to manufacture its EVs.

Huawei was placed on a trade blacklist by former US president Donald Trump-led administration over national security concerns. Many industry executives see little chance that blocks on the sale of billions of dollars of US technology and chips to the Chinese company, which has denied wrongdoing, will be reversed by his successor.

A Huawei spokesman has, however, denied the company plans to design EVs or produce Huawei branded vehicles.

"Huawei is not a car manufacturer. However through ICT (information and communications technology), we aim to be a digital car-oriented and new-added components provider, enabling car OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to build better vehicles," the spokesperson said.

But sources say Huawei has started internally designing the EVs and approaching suppliers at home, with the aim of officially launching the project as early as this year.

Richard Yu, head of Huawei's consumer business group who led the company to become one of the world's largest smartphone makers, will reportedly soon shift his focus to EVs.

The EVs will target a mass-market segment.

In the United States, Amazon.com Inc and Alphabet Inc are also developing auto-related technology or investing in smart-car startups.

According to reports, Huawei has been developing a swathe of technologies for EVs for years including in-car software systems, sensors for automobiles and 5G communications hardware.

The company has also formed partnerships with automakers such as Daimler AG, General Motors Co and SAIC Motor to jointly develop smart auto technologies. It has accelerated hiring of engineers for auto-related technologies since 2018.

Also, reports say Huawei was awarded at least four patents related to EVs this week, including methods for charging between electric vehicles and for checking battery health, according to official Chinese patent records.

China's Huawei is set to explore a strategic shift as it is planning to make electric vehicles under its own brand and could launch some models this year. Huawei Technologies Co Ltd is in talks with state-owned Changan Automobile and other automakers to use their car plants to make its electric vehicles (EVs), according to a report by Reuters.

China's Huawei is set to explore a strategic shift as it is planning to make electric vehicles under its own brand and could launch some models this year. Huawei Technologies Co Ltd is in talks with state-owned Changan Automobile and other automakers to use their car plants to make its electric vehicles (EVs), according to a report by Reuters. Huawei is also in discussions with Beijing-backed BAIC Group's BluePark New Energy Technology to manufacture its EVs. Huawei was placed on a trade blacklist by former US president Donald Trump-led administration over national security concerns. Many industry executives see little chance that blocks on the sale of billions of dollars of US technology and chips to the Chinese company, which has denied wrongdoing, will be reversed by his successor. A Huawei spokesman has, however, denied the company plans to design EVs or produce Huawei branded vehicles. "Huawei is not a car manufacturer. However through ICT (information and communications technology), we aim to be a digital car-oriented and new-added components provider, enabling car OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to build better vehicles," the spokesperson said. But sources say Huawei has started internally designing the EVs and approaching suppliers at home, with the aim of officially launching the project as early as this year. Richard Yu, head of Huawei's consumer business group who led the company to become one of the world's largest smartphone makers, will reportedly soon shift his focus to EVs. The EVs will target a mass-market segment. In the United States, Amazon.com Inc and Alphabet Inc are also developing auto-related technology or investing in smart-car startups. According to reports, Huawei has been developing a swathe of technologies for EVs for years including in-car software systems, sensors for automobiles and 5G communications hardware. The company has also formed partnerships with automakers such as Daimler AG, General Motors Co and SAIC Motor to jointly develop smart auto technologies. It has accelerated hiring of engineers for auto-related technologies since 2018. Also, reports say Huawei was awarded at least four patents related to EVs this week, including methods for charging between electric vehicles and for checking battery health, according to official Chinese patent records.

China's Huawei plans foray into electric vehicles, report says

The CEO and founder of Chinese telecom giant Huawei called on Tuesday for an open approach from new US President Joe Biden, after the firm was battered by sanctions imposed by Donald Trump's administration. &nbsp;

Ren Zhengfei said his 'confidence in Huawei's ability to survive has grown' despite its travails across much of the western world where it is maligned as a potential security threat. &nbsp;&nbsp;

After saying the firm's 'production capacity can be expanded', he implored the Biden White House to change tack on the company. &nbsp;

"We hope the new US administration would have an open policy for the benefit of American firms and the economic development of the United States," Ren told reporters. &nbsp;

"We still hope that we can buy large volumes of American materials, components and equipment so that we can all benefit from China's growth." &nbsp;

He was speaking during a visit to the city of Taiyuan in China’s northern coal belt for the opening of a new laboratory that develops technologies to automate parts of coal-mining and boost safety in a notoriously dangerous industry. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Founded by Ren in 1987, Huawei largely flew under the global radar for decades as it grew to become the world's largest maker of telecoms equipment and a top mobile phone producer. &nbsp;

That changed under Trump, who targeted the firm as part of an intensifying China-US trade and technology standoff. &nbsp;

Trump from 2018 imposed escalating sanctions to cut off Huawei's access to vital components, bar it from the US market, and successfully pressured allies to shun the firm's gear in their telecoms systems. &nbsp;

His administration had raised fears that China's government could potentially use 'back doors' in Huawei gear for espionage, which the company strenuously denies. &nbsp;

And the US campaign is hurting Huawei. Once a top-three smartphone supplier along with Samsung and Apple, its shipments plummeted more than 40 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2020, according to industry tracker IDC, as the supply-chain disruptions prevented it manufacturing enough phones to meet demand.&nbsp;

The CEO and founder of Chinese telecom giant Huawei called on Tuesday for an open approach from new US President Joe Biden, after the firm was battered by sanctions imposed by Donald Trump's administration.

The CEO and founder of Chinese telecom giant Huawei called on Tuesday for an open approach from new US President Joe Biden, after the firm was battered by sanctions imposed by Donald Trump's administration. Ren Zhengfei said his 'confidence in Huawei's ability to survive has grown' despite its travails across much of the western world where it is maligned as a potential security threat. After saying the firm's 'production capacity can be expanded', he implored the Biden White House to change tack on the company. "We hope the new US administration would have an open policy for the benefit of American firms and the economic development of the United States," Ren told reporters. "We still hope that we can buy large volumes of American materials, components and equipment so that we can all benefit from China's growth." He was speaking during a visit to the city of Taiyuan in China’s northern coal belt for the opening of a new laboratory that develops technologies to automate parts of coal-mining and boost safety in a notoriously dangerous industry. Founded by Ren in 1987, Huawei largely flew under the global radar for decades as it grew to become the world's largest maker of telecoms equipment and a top mobile phone producer. That changed under Trump, who targeted the firm as part of an intensifying China-US trade and technology standoff. Trump from 2018 imposed escalating sanctions to cut off Huawei's access to vital components, bar it from the US market, and successfully pressured allies to shun the firm's gear in their telecoms systems. His administration had raised fears that China's government could potentially use 'back doors' in Huawei gear for espionage, which the company strenuously denies. And the US campaign is hurting Huawei. Once a top-three smartphone supplier along with Samsung and Apple, its shipments plummeted more than 40 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2020, according to industry tracker IDC, as the supply-chain disruptions prevented it manufacturing enough phones to meet demand.

Huawei CEO hopes for 'open policy' under Biden administration

Alibaba Group founder Jack Ma has been left off a list of Chinese entrepreneurial leaders published by state media,&nbsp;the snub underscoring how just far he has run afoul of Beijing.

Shanghai Securities News said, "A generation of Chinese entrepreneurs emerged from the rigid structures of our old economic system with the desire to escape poverty and passion to achieve business ambitions."

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China's best-known businessman was not mentioned in a front-page article published by a newspaper backed state-run&nbsp;Xinhua News Agency. Instead, Huawei Technologies' Ren Zhengfei, Xiaomi Corp's Lei Jun and BYD's Wang Chuanfu were lauded for their contributions.

The editorial, published on the same day&nbsp;when Alibaba will also report its latest quarterly earnings may help assuage fears that Tencent may get caught up in a broader industry crackdown which is now focused on Ma's Alibaba and the Ant Group Co.

The catalyst for Ma's current woes was an Oct. 24 speech in which he blasted China's regulatory system, leading to the suspension of his Ant Group's $37 billion IPO just days before the fintech giant's listing.

Regulators have since launched an anti-trust probe into the tech sector with Alibaba taking much of the heat, while tighter regulations for Ant Group are also being considered.

Ma, who is not known for shying away from the limelight, subsequently disappeared from the public eye for about three months, triggering frenzied speculation about his whereabouts. He re-emerged last month with a 50-second video appearance.

The Shanghai Securities News said that while some of the entrepreneurs it praised had once behaved like "reckless heroes" in their efforts to break away from an old, rigid economic system, they now led "a group of companies that respected the rules of development and abided by market rules."

Alibaba Group founder Jack Ma has been left off a list of Chinese entrepreneurial leaders published by state media, the snub underscoring how just far he has run afoul of Beijing.

Alibaba Group founder Jack Ma has been left off a list of Chinese entrepreneurial leaders published by state media, the snub underscoring how just far he has run afoul of Beijing. Shanghai Securities News said, "A generation of Chinese entrepreneurs emerged from the rigid structures of our old economic system with the desire to escape poverty and passion to achieve business ambitions." China's best-known businessman was not mentioned in a front-page article published by a newspaper backed state-run Xinhua News Agency. Instead, Huawei Technologies' Ren Zhengfei, Xiaomi Corp's Lei Jun and BYD's Wang Chuanfu were lauded for their contributions. The editorial, published on the same day when Alibaba will also report its latest quarterly earnings may help assuage fears that Tencent may get caught up in a broader industry crackdown which is now focused on Ma's Alibaba and the Ant Group Co. The catalyst for Ma's current woes was an Oct. 24 speech in which he blasted China's regulatory system, leading to the suspension of his Ant Group's $37 billion IPO just days before the fintech giant's listing. Regulators have since launched an anti-trust probe into the tech sector with Alibaba taking much of the heat, while tighter regulations for Ant Group are also being considered. Ma, who is not known for shying away from the limelight, subsequently disappeared from the public eye for about three months, triggering frenzied speculation about his whereabouts. He re-emerged last month with a 50-second video appearance. The Shanghai Securities News said that while some of the entrepreneurs it praised had once behaved like "reckless heroes" in their efforts to break away from an old, rigid economic system, they now led "a group of companies that respected the rules of development and abided by market rules."

Chinese state media omits Jack Ma's name from list of entrepreneurial leaders

The Trump administration is revoking certain licenses to sell the semiconductor products from Chinese firm Huawei and intends to reject dozens of other applications to supply the telecommunications firm.

US government to revoke license to sell products to Huawei

As president-elect Joe Biden gets set to take oath as the next US president, the Trump administration is revoking certain licenses of companies to sell semiconductor products to Chinese firm Huawei, reports said.

Watch:

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The outgoing administration also intends to reject dozens of applications that supply to the Chinese telecommunications firm. The US government views <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/lawmakers-in-us-to-back-almost-2-billion-to-replace-chinese-telecom-equipment-from-companies-like-huawei-351257">Huawei</a> as a national security threat.

The semiconductor industry association said in an email the US commerce department had issued intents to deny a significant number of license requests for exports to Huawei and a revocation of at least one previously issued license.

The action includes a broad range of products in the semiconductor industry. The companies which have received notices reportedly have twenty days to respond. The commerce department has 45 days to advise them of any change, the companies then would&nbsp;have another 45 days to appeal.

The United States had put Huawei on the commerce department entity list in May 2019 with suppliers restricted from selling US. goods and technology. The latest decision comes after half a dozen meetings were held by the departments of commerce, state, defence and energy since January 4, reports indicated.

The decision comes after the Trump administration appointed Corey Stewart in the commerce department.

It is not the first time the US has targeted Huawei. The company's Chief Financial Officer(CFO) Meng Wanzhou, 48, was arrested in Canada in December 2018 on a US warrant.&nbsp;

Reports claimed US prosecutors have been discussing a deal with Meng's lawyers who faces bank fraud charges for allegedly misleading HSBC Holdings Plc about Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's business dealings in Iran, which is under US sanctions.

In August last year, the Trump administration had added "Huawei affiliates" to its "entity list" asserting that the Chinese company was using international subsidiaries to circumvent sanctions which prevents export of US-based technology.

The list included 38 affiliates in 21 countries which formed part of the US blacklist.&nbsp;

As president-elect Joe Biden gets set to take oath as the next US president, the Trump administration is revoking certain licenses of companies to sell semiconductor products to Chinese firm Huawei, reports said.

As president-elect Joe Biden gets set to take oath as the next US president, the Trump administration is revoking certain licenses of companies to sell semiconductor products to Chinese firm Huawei, reports said. Watch: The outgoing administration also intends to reject dozens of applications that supply to the Chinese telecommunications firm. The US government views Huawei as a national security threat. The semiconductor industry association said in an email the US commerce department had issued intents to deny a significant number of license requests for exports to Huawei and a revocation of at least one previously issued license. The action includes a broad range of products in the semiconductor industry. The companies which have received notices reportedly have twenty days to respond. The commerce department has 45 days to advise them of any change, the companies then would have another 45 days to appeal. The United States had put Huawei on the commerce department entity list in May 2019 with suppliers restricted from selling US. goods and technology. The latest decision comes after half a dozen meetings were held by the departments of commerce, state, defence and energy since January 4, reports indicated. The decision comes after the Trump administration appointed Corey Stewart in the commerce department. It is not the first time the US has targeted Huawei. The company's Chief Financial Officer(CFO) Meng Wanzhou, 48, was arrested in Canada in December 2018 on a US warrant. Reports claimed US prosecutors have been discussing a deal with Meng's lawyers who faces bank fraud charges for allegedly misleading HSBC Holdings Plc about Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's business dealings in Iran, which is under US sanctions. In August last year, the Trump administration had added "Huawei affiliates" to its "entity list" asserting that the Chinese company was using international subsidiaries to circumvent sanctions which prevents export of US-based technology. The list included 38 affiliates in 21 countries which formed part of the US blacklist.

In final act, outgoing Trump administration targets Huawei suppliers

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged nations around the world to maintain a unified front against Chinese detentions of foreign citizens, saying every country was vulnerable.

Trudeau made his remarks as China offered more consular access to two Canadian men it arrested in December 2018 and charged with spying. Canada has repeatedly called on its partners to press Beijing for their release.

"We have a tremendous level of alignment, not just with the United States but with allies around the world, to continually bring up the question of the coercive diplomacy that China is increasingly using," Trudeau said in an interview at the Reuters Next summit that aired on Thursday.

"We must all stand together because who knows whose citizens might be next?"

China detained the two men after Canadian police picked up Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou on a US&nbsp;arrest warrant. She is under house arrest in Vancouver as she fights extradition.

Syrine Khoury, a spokeswoman for Foreign Minister Marc Garneau, said Canada had obtained agreements involving increased family and consular access to the two men in recent months but gave no details.

A person familiar with the case said that since October, consular visits had been restored to levels seen before the pandemic. The families of the two men had also spoken to them once by phone, said the person, who requested anonymity given the sensitivity of the situation.

Khoury also said Canadian immigration officials had allowed Meng family members to visit her. Canada has strict travel restrictions to combat the coronavirus.

A spokesperson for Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino declined to comment when asked whether the permission for Meng's family was linked to the increased consular access

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged nations around the world to maintain a unified front against Chinese detentions of foreign citizens, saying every country was vulnerable.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged nations around the world to maintain a unified front against Chinese detentions of foreign citizens, saying every country was vulnerable. Trudeau made his remarks as China offered more consular access to two Canadian men it arrested in December 2018 and charged with spying. Canada has repeatedly called on its partners to press Beijing for their release. "We have a tremendous level of alignment, not just with the United States but with allies around the world, to continually bring up the question of the coercive diplomacy that China is increasingly using," Trudeau said in an interview at the Reuters Next summit that aired on Thursday. "We must all stand together because who knows whose citizens might be next?" China detained the two men after Canadian police picked up Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou on a US arrest warrant. She is under house arrest in Vancouver as she fights extradition. Syrine Khoury, a spokeswoman for Foreign Minister Marc Garneau, said Canada had obtained agreements involving increased family and consular access to the two men in recent months but gave no details. A person familiar with the case said that since October, consular visits had been restored to levels seen before the pandemic. The families of the two men had also spoken to them once by phone, said the person, who requested anonymity given the sensitivity of the situation. Khoury also said Canadian immigration officials had allowed Meng family members to visit her. Canada has strict travel restrictions to combat the coronavirus. A spokesperson for Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino declined to comment when asked whether the permission for Meng's family was linked to the increased consular access

Canada's Trudeau urges unified front against China detentions, says all nations vulnerable

Chinese technology giant Huawei &nbsp;is retroceding on a patent application it filed for a facial recognition system intended to identify Uyghurs from other Chinese ethnicities.

Huawei patent from 2018 describes the technology used to identify race features in pedestrians photographed or filmed in the street that may indicate they are of Uighur origin.

Huawei, however, said it will delete the reference to "Uighur" in the patent upon permission from China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), the BBC reported, quoting a spokesperson.

"Huawei opposes discrimination of all types, including the use of technology to carry out ethnic discrimination," Huawei said.

As per a report by The Washington Post, Huawei has worked with at least four partner companies to develop surveillance technologies that claim to monitor people by ethnicity.

According to the report, it's artificial intelligence surveillance technology, which includes a face-scanning camera system that can send a "Uighur alarm" to police after detecting a member of the group, has sparked an international outcry against one of China's most valuable tech companies.

Classified documents known as the China Cables, accessed last year by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, threw light on how the Chinese government uses technology to control Uighur Muslims worldwide.

United Nations officials have said China is transforming the Xinjiang region, where many Uighurs live, into a “massive internment camp”.

However, China regularly denies such mistreatment and says the camps provide vocational training, while people in the internment camps have described being subjected to forced political indoctrination, torture, beatings, and denial of food and medicine, and say they have been prohibited from practising their religion or speaking their language.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese technology giant Huawei is retroceding on a patent application it filed for a facial recognition system intended to identify Uyghurs from other Chinese ethnicities.

Chinese technology giant Huawei is retroceding on a patent application it filed for a facial recognition system intended to identify Uyghurs from other Chinese ethnicities. Huawei patent from 2018 describes the technology used to identify race features in pedestrians photographed or filmed in the street that may indicate they are of Uighur origin. Huawei, however, said it will delete the reference to "Uighur" in the patent upon permission from China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), the BBC reported, quoting a spokesperson. "Huawei opposes discrimination of all types, including the use of technology to carry out ethnic discrimination," Huawei said. As per a report by The Washington Post, Huawei has worked with at least four partner companies to develop surveillance technologies that claim to monitor people by ethnicity. According to the report, it's artificial intelligence surveillance technology, which includes a face-scanning camera system that can send a "Uighur alarm" to police after detecting a member of the group, has sparked an international outcry against one of China's most valuable tech companies. Classified documents known as the China Cables, accessed last year by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, threw light on how the Chinese government uses technology to control Uighur Muslims worldwide. United Nations officials have said China is transforming the Xinjiang region, where many Uighurs live, into a “massive internment camp”. However, China regularly denies such mistreatment and says the camps provide vocational training, while people in the internment camps have described being subjected to forced political indoctrination, torture, beatings, and denial of food and medicine, and say they have been prohibited from practising their religion or speaking their language. (With inputs from agencies)

China’s Huawei backtracks after filing for patent of AI software that could recognise Uighurs

China's Huawei is planning to press ahead with a roll-out despite French curbs on firms using its 5G gear. It will invest 200 million euros in building a mobile phone network equipment factory in the east of France.

Huawei to build network equipment factory in France

China's Huawei is planning to press ahead with a roll-out despite French curbs on firms using its 5G gear. It will invest 200 million euros in building a mobile phone network equipment factory in the east of France.

The plant will initially employ 300 people, growing to 500 in the longer term, and its products will go to Huawei's European clients.

The plant is part of efforts to ease worldwide concerns stoked by US charges, repeatedly denied by Huawei, that Beijing could use the company's equipment for spying.

The Chinese technology company, which had already floated plans for a French factory, said in March it would persevere regardless of whether the French government cracked down on telecoms companies using its equipment.

France has not banned mobile phone operators from using Huawei equipment outright. It had, however, told telecoms companies planning to buy firm's 5G equipment that they would not be able to renew licences for the gear once they expired, effectively phasing it out of mobile networks.

China's Huawei is planning to press ahead with a roll-out despite French curbs on firms using its 5G gear. It will invest 200 million euros in building a mobile phone network equipment factory in the east of France. The plant will initially employ 300 people, growing to 500 in the longer term, and its products will go to Huawei's European clients. The plant is part of efforts to ease worldwide concerns stoked by US charges, repeatedly denied by Huawei, that Beijing could use the company's equipment for spying. The Chinese technology company, which had already floated plans for a French factory, said in March it would persevere regardless of whether the French government cracked down on telecoms companies using its equipment. France has not banned mobile phone operators from using Huawei equipment outright. It had, however, told telecoms companies planning to buy firm's 5G equipment that they would not be able to renew licences for the gear once they expired, effectively phasing it out of mobile networks.

Coronavirus pandemic is still a reality. There are lockdowns in many parts of the world. But with vaccines slowly making their way to the public, consumer demand for products is slowly increasing. However, a new problem may hit manufacturing of cars and electronic devices from smartphones to televisions and more.

There is a shortage of electronic chips.

Industry executives and analysts are mentioning several causes for this. These include bulk-buying by U.S. sanctions-hit Chinese tech giant Huawei Technologies, a fire at a chip plant in Japan, coronavirus lockdowns in Southeast Asia, and a strike in France.

More fundamentally, however, there has been under-investment in 8-inch chip manufacturing plants owned mostly by Asian firms, which means they have struggled to ramp up production as demand for 5G phones, laptops and cars picked up faster than expected.

"For the whole electronics industry, we've been experiencing a shortage of components," said Donny Zhang, CEO of Shenzhen-based sourcing company Sand and Wave, who said he faced delays in obtaining a microcontroller unit that was key to a smart headphone product he was working on. He was quoted by Reuters.

"We were originally planning to complete production in one month, but now it looks like we'll need to do it in two."

Reuters quoted a source at a Japanese electronics component supplier who said it was seeing shortages of WiFi and Bluetooth chips and was expecting delays of more than 10 weeks.

The automotive industry in China, which flagged the issue earlier this month, is anticipating production at some Chinese carmakers to be affected in the first quarter of next year, according to a senior industry association official.

SURGING DEMAND

Consumer demand in China, especially for cars, has snapped back unexpectedly quickly from the coronavirus crisis, and orders for products such as laptops and mobile phones in regions still struggling with pandemic restrictions, such as Europe and the United States, have also picked up.

"Since (these products) all compete for the same fab (fabrication plant) resources the shortage is across all of these sectors and others as well. These are just the most apparent right now," said Kevin Anderson, a senior analyst at Omdia.

Dutch automotive chip supplier NXP Semiconductors has told customers it must raise prices on all products because of a "significant increase" in materials costs and a "severe shortage" of chips, Reuters reported this month.

"Business came back much faster than we expected," NXP CEO Kurt Sievers told German business daily Handelsblatt in an interview on Dec. 11. "Many customers ordered too late. As a result, we are not able to keep up in some areas."

Other short-term triggers for the chip shortage include stockpiling by telecoms giant Huawei ahead of mid-September when its suppliers had to comply with U.S. sanctions, CICC analyst Huang Leping said in a note on Dec. 11.

This was aggravated by Huawei's rivals such as Xiaomi seeking to gain market share by stepping up orders of components, he added.

Xiaomi and Huawei declined to comment.

(With Reuters inputs)

Coronavirus pandemic is still a reality. There are lockdowns in many parts of the world. But with vaccines slowly making their way to the public, consumer demand for products is slowly increasing.

Coronavirus pandemic is still a reality. There are lockdowns in many parts of the world. But with vaccines slowly making their way to the public, consumer demand for products is slowly increasing. However, a new problem may hit manufacturing of cars and electronic devices from smartphones to televisions and more. There is a shortage of electronic chips. Industry executives and analysts are mentioning several causes for this. These include bulk-buying by U.S. sanctions-hit Chinese tech giant Huawei Technologies, a fire at a chip plant in Japan, coronavirus lockdowns in Southeast Asia, and a strike in France. More fundamentally, however, there has been under-investment in 8-inch chip manufacturing plants owned mostly by Asian firms, which means they have struggled to ramp up production as demand for 5G phones, laptops and cars picked up faster than expected. "For the whole electronics industry, we've been experiencing a shortage of components," said Donny Zhang, CEO of Shenzhen-based sourcing company Sand and Wave, who said he faced delays in obtaining a microcontroller unit that was key to a smart headphone product he was working on. He was quoted by Reuters. "We were originally planning to complete production in one month, but now it looks like we'll need to do it in two." Reuters quoted a source at a Japanese electronics component supplier who said it was seeing shortages of WiFi and Bluetooth chips and was expecting delays of more than 10 weeks. The automotive industry in China, which flagged the issue earlier this month, is anticipating production at some Chinese carmakers to be affected in the first quarter of next year, according to a senior industry association official. SURGING DEMAND Consumer demand in China, especially for cars, has snapped back unexpectedly quickly from the coronavirus crisis, and orders for products such as laptops and mobile phones in regions still struggling with pandemic restrictions, such as Europe and the United States, have also picked up. "Since (these products) all compete for the same fab (fabrication plant) resources the shortage is across all of these sectors and others as well. These are just the most apparent right now," said Kevin Anderson, a senior analyst at Omdia. Dutch automotive chip supplier NXP Semiconductors has told customers it must raise prices on all products because of a "significant increase" in materials costs and a "severe shortage" of chips, Reuters reported this month. "Business came back much faster than we expected," NXP CEO Kurt Sievers told German business daily Handelsblatt in an interview on Dec. 11. "Many customers ordered too late. As a result, we are not able to keep up in some areas." Other short-term triggers for the chip shortage include stockpiling by telecoms giant Huawei ahead of mid-September when its suppliers had to comply with U.S. sanctions, CICC analyst Huang Leping said in a note on Dec. 11. This was aggravated by Huawei's rivals such as Xiaomi seeking to gain market share by stepping up orders of components, he added. Xiaomi and Huawei declined to comment. (With Reuters inputs)

Chip shortage may hit car, electronics manufacture as consumer demand bounces back

Huawei has worked with at least four partner companies to develop surveillance technologies that claim to monitor people by ethnicity, The Washington Post reported Saturday.

According to the report, it's artificial intelligence surveillance technology, which includes a face-scanning camera system that can send a "Uighur alarm" to police after detecting a member of the group, has sparked an international outcry against one of China's most valuable tech companies.

Washington Post reported that despite the company's claims that it is committed to human rights at the highest level, Huawei has worked with dozens of security contractors to develop surveillance products, some of which are said to be able to identify a person's ethnicity and help suppress potential protests, according to company marketing documents.

The international backlash included a French soccer star, Antoine Griezmann, who publicly ended his work as a Huawei brand ambassador and urged the company to 'condemn this mass repression'.

Meanwhile, Huawei representatives refuted the allegations, saying that the document outlining the "Uighur alarm", used language that is "completely unacceptable".

"It is not compatible with the values of Huawei... Our technologies are not designed to identify ethnic groups," said a representative.

However, products made by Huawei with four other partner companies were also advertised to have ethnicity-tracking capabilities, according to Chinese language marketing materials posted on a public Huawei website where the material could be downloaded by anyone who registered an account. After Washington Post approached Huawei for comment, the site briefly became inaccessible, and the number of product collaborations detailed on the site had dropped from over 2,000 to 38, after returning.

"We take the allegations in the Washington Post's article very seriously and are investigating the issues raised within," a Huawei spokesperson said in a statement to The Post.

Huawei and its partners have provided some of the surveillance products to authorities in China's Xinjiang region, where the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) have detained thousands of Uighur Muslims, in an attempt to control and assimilate the ethnic minority group through a mass 're-education' campaign.

Among the surveillance products was a facial recognition system used by police in the Xinjiang capital, Urumqi, and a highway surveillance camera system for the region, according to documents from Huawei's website.

The company's partnerships reflect the ongoing expansion of surveillance in China, where top officials have called for police to use big data to fight crime, under the slogan, "One Person, One File," a phrase signifying the use of disparate information streams, from surveillance footage to Internet chat history, to better track individuals, reported Washington Post.

Jerome Cohen, a veteran China human rights legal expert, said racial profiling and discrimination are prevalent in China. The country's government is "engaging in racial profiling on a massive scale," he said.

Marketing materials for products co-developed by Huawei with DeepGlint, Bresee and Maiyuesoft also mention ethnicity identification or search features. The three companies did not respond to requests for comment.

Classified documents known as the China Cables, accessed last year by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, threw light on how the Chinese government uses technology to control Uighur Muslims worldwide.

However, China regularly denies such mistreatment and says the camps provide vocational training, while people in the internment camps have described being subjected to forced political indoctrination, torture, beatings, and denial of food and medicine, and say they have been prohibited from practising their religion or speaking their language.

(With inputs from agencies)

Huawei has worked with at least four partner companies to develop surveillance technologies that claim to monitor people by ethnicity, The Washington Post reported Saturday.

Huawei has worked with at least four partner companies to develop surveillance technologies that claim to monitor people by ethnicity, The Washington Post reported Saturday. According to the report, it's artificial intelligence surveillance technology, which includes a face-scanning camera system that can send a "Uighur alarm" to police after detecting a member of the group, has sparked an international outcry against one of China's most valuable tech companies. Washington Post reported that despite the company's claims that it is committed to human rights at the highest level, Huawei has worked with dozens of security contractors to develop surveillance products, some of which are said to be able to identify a person's ethnicity and help suppress potential protests, according to company marketing documents. The international backlash included a French soccer star, Antoine Griezmann, who publicly ended his work as a Huawei brand ambassador and urged the company to 'condemn this mass repression'. Meanwhile, Huawei representatives refuted the allegations, saying that the document outlining the "Uighur alarm", used language that is "completely unacceptable". "It is not compatible with the values of Huawei... Our technologies are not designed to identify ethnic groups," said a representative. However, products made by Huawei with four other partner companies were also advertised to have ethnicity-tracking capabilities, according to Chinese language marketing materials posted on a public Huawei website where the material could be downloaded by anyone who registered an account. After Washington Post approached Huawei for comment, the site briefly became inaccessible, and the number of product collaborations detailed on the site had dropped from over 2,000 to 38, after returning. "We take the allegations in the Washington Post's article very seriously and are investigating the issues raised within," a Huawei spokesperson said in a statement to The Post. Huawei and its partners have provided some of the surveillance products to authorities in China's Xinjiang region, where the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) have detained thousands of Uighur Muslims, in an attempt to control and assimilate the ethnic minority group through a mass 're-education' campaign. Among the surveillance products was a facial recognition system used by police in the Xinjiang capital, Urumqi, and a highway surveillance camera system for the region, according to documents from Huawei's website. The company's partnerships reflect the ongoing expansion of surveillance in China, where top officials have called for police to use big data to fight crime, under the slogan, "One Person, One File," a phrase signifying the use of disparate information streams, from surveillance footage to Internet chat history, to better track individuals, reported Washington Post. Jerome Cohen, a veteran China human rights legal expert, said racial profiling and discrimination are prevalent in China. The country's government is "engaging in racial profiling on a massive scale," he said. Marketing materials for products co-developed by Huawei with DeepGlint, Bresee and Maiyuesoft also mention ethnicity identification or search features. The three companies did not respond to requests for comment. Classified documents known as the China Cables, accessed last year by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, threw light on how the Chinese government uses technology to control Uighur Muslims worldwide. However, China regularly denies such mistreatment and says the camps provide vocational training, while people in the internment camps have described being subjected to forced political indoctrination, torture, beatings, and denial of food and medicine, and say they have been prohibited from practising their religion or speaking their language. (With inputs from agencies)

Uighur alarm: Huawei worked with companies to build tools that track people by ethnicity

Barcelona's star Antoine Griezmann on Thursday said that he is ending his sponsorship contract with Huawei. The French striker made this move after reports emerged saying that the Chinese telecoms giant was involved in the surveillance of Uighur Muslims.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/nothing-better-than-actions-kylian-mbappe-on-fight-against-racism-348779" hreflang="en">'Nothing better than actions': Kylian Mbappe on fight against racism</a>

Frenchman Griezmann said on Instagram: "Following strong suspicions that Huawei has contributed to the development of a 'Uighurs alert' through the use of facial recognition software, I am immediately ending my partnership with the company."

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According to the Washington Post, the Chinese tech giant has tested facial recognition software that could send automated “Uighur alarms” to government authorities when its camera systems identify members of the oppressed minority group. An internal document revealed the details of it.&nbsp;

This document, that was signed by Huawei's representatives, said that the firm worked in 2018 with the facial recognition start-up Megvii to test an artificial intelligence camera system that could scan faces in a crowd and estimate each person’s age, sex and ethnicity. The document was discovered by IPVM, a Pennsylvania-based company that reviews and investigates video-surveillance equipment. This document was shared exclusively with The Washington Post.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/benzemas-brace-helps-real-madrid-beat-gladbach-and-progress-into-next-round-348749" hreflang="en">Benzema's brace helps Real Madrid beat Gladbach and progress into next round</a>

China has come under intense international criticism over its policies in the resource-rich Xinjiang territory, where rights groups say as many as one million Uighurs and other mostly Muslim minorities have been held in internment camps.

China defends the camps as vocational training centres aimed at stamping out terrorism and improving employment opportunities.

World Cup-winner Antoine Griezmann decided to cut his sponsorship after this report.&nbsp;

Barcelona's star Antoine Griezmann on Thursday said that he is ending his sponsorship contract with Huawei. The French striker made this move after reports emerged saying that the Chinese telecoms giant was involved in the surveillance of Uighur Muslims.

Barcelona's star Antoine Griezmann on Thursday said that he is ending his sponsorship contract with Huawei. The French striker made this move after reports emerged saying that the Chinese telecoms giant was involved in the surveillance of Uighur Muslims. Also read: 'Nothing better than actions': Kylian Mbappe on fight against racism Frenchman Griezmann said on Instagram: "Following strong suspicions that Huawei has contributed to the development of a 'Uighurs alert' through the use of facial recognition software, I am immediately ending my partnership with the company." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Antoine Griezmann (@antogriezmann) × According to the Washington Post, the Chinese tech giant has tested facial recognition software that could send automated “Uighur alarms” to government authorities when its camera systems identify members of the oppressed minority group. An internal document revealed the details of it. This document, that was signed by Huawei's representatives, said that the firm worked in 2018 with the facial recognition start-up Megvii to test an artificial intelligence camera system that could scan faces in a crowd and estimate each person’s age, sex and ethnicity. The document was discovered by IPVM, a Pennsylvania-based company that reviews and investigates video-surveillance equipment. This document was shared exclusively with The Washington Post. Also read: Benzema's brace helps Real Madrid beat Gladbach and progress into next round China has come under intense international criticism over its policies in the resource-rich Xinjiang territory, where rights groups say as many as one million Uighurs and other mostly Muslim minorities have been held in internment camps. China defends the camps as vocational training centres aimed at stamping out terrorism and improving employment opportunities. World Cup-winner Antoine Griezmann decided to cut his sponsorship after this report.

Barcelona star Antoine Griezmann says ending Huawei contract over Uighurs claims

According to reports, Chinese telecom giant Huawei tested Artificial Intelligence software that could identify Uighur minorities to alert government authorities.

Huawei tested AI software to identify Uighur Muslims

Huawei's CFO&nbsp;Meng Wanzhou maintained complete silence and offered no comment on reported claims of a new plea deal during her&nbsp;court battle against extradition to the United States.

Wanzhou was met with reporters and cameras upon stepping out en route the respective court in Canada. However,&nbsp;Wanzhou maintained complete silence, ignoring all questions thrown her way, AFP reported.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-in-talks-with-huawei-cfo-meng-on-resolving-criminal-charges-347353">US in talks with Huawei CFO Meng on resolving criminal charges</a>

After fighting a two-year-long battle against&nbsp;extradition over charges Huawei violated US sanctions on Iran, reports suggest the businesswoman's team of lawyers are now working out a new plea deal for her with a possible "deferred prosecution agreement".

As per reports, Meng's lawyers are working out a new plea deal for her as per which she will admit to some of the fraud and conspiracy charges related to the alleged violations and will be allowed to return to China. However, there were signs of reluctance from the Huawei executive towards such a deal where she would have to admit to any wrongdoing.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/detained-huawei-execs-team-accuses-canada-police-of-cover-up-345726">Detained Huawei exec's team accuses Canada police of 'cover up'</a>

Her lawyers are also claiming her rights have been violated during the process of her arrest and that she has been a victim of political persecution and the US is simply&nbsp;attacking Huawei to contain China's advances in technology.

Officials, too, will be testifying this week about Meng's arrest. Talking about the same, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sergeant Ross Lundie said he feels "uncomfortable"&nbsp;&nbsp;assisting the FBI.&nbsp;"I'm not there to provide information or to act on behalf of the FBI," he said under cross-examination. "I work for the RCMP."

Meng has been in Canada since her arrest in 2018 during a stopover in&nbsp;Vancouver. Canada has refused several tries by China to bring back Meng. China has, as Canada claims, retaliated by detaining two Canadian citizens — Canadians Michael Kovrig, a former diplomat, and Michael Spavor on suspicions of espionage.&nbsp;Meng's arrest started a decline in the relationship between Beijing and Ottawa.

The extradition hearing is scheduled to wrap up in April 2021.

Huawei's CFO Meng Wanzhou maintained complete silence and offered no comment on reported claims of a new plea deal during her court battle against extradition to the United States.

Huawei's CFO Meng Wanzhou maintained complete silence and offered no comment on reported claims of a new plea deal during her court battle against extradition to the United States. Wanzhou was met with reporters and cameras upon stepping out en route the respective court in Canada. However, Wanzhou maintained complete silence, ignoring all questions thrown her way, AFP reported. Also read| US in talks with Huawei CFO Meng on resolving criminal charges After fighting a two-year-long battle against extradition over charges Huawei violated US sanctions on Iran, reports suggest the businesswoman's team of lawyers are now working out a new plea deal for her with a possible "deferred prosecution agreement". As per reports, Meng's lawyers are working out a new plea deal for her as per which she will admit to some of the fraud and conspiracy charges related to the alleged violations and will be allowed to return to China. However, there were signs of reluctance from the Huawei executive towards such a deal where she would have to admit to any wrongdoing. Also read| Detained Huawei exec's team accuses Canada police of 'cover up' Her lawyers are also claiming her rights have been violated during the process of her arrest and that she has been a victim of political persecution and the US is simply attacking Huawei to contain China's advances in technology. Officials, too, will be testifying this week about Meng's arrest. Talking about the same, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sergeant Ross Lundie said he feels "uncomfortable" assisting the FBI. "I'm not there to provide information or to act on behalf of the FBI," he said under cross-examination. "I work for the RCMP." Meng has been in Canada since her arrest in 2018 during a stopover in Vancouver. Canada has refused several tries by China to bring back Meng. China has, as Canada claims, retaliated by detaining two Canadian citizens — Canadians Michael Kovrig, a former diplomat, and Michael Spavor on suspicions of espionage. Meng's arrest started a decline in the relationship between Beijing and Ottawa. The extradition hearing is scheduled to wrap up in April 2021.

Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou maintains silence amid rumours of plea deal

US prosecutors are discussing a deal with lawyers for Huawei finance chief Meng Wanzhou to resolve criminal charges against her.

Meng, 48, was arrested in Canada in December 2018 on a US warrant. She faces bank fraud charges for allegedly misleading HSBC Holdings Plc about Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's business dealings in Iran, which was subject to US sanctions.

Negotiations between Meng's attorneys and the US Justice Department picked up after the US presidential election a month ago. This signifies a potential end to a case that has strained ties between the United States, China and Canada.

Further negotiations are expected to take place on Friday.

The Wall Street Journal first reported on a possible deal. It said the case might be resolved with a "deferred prosecution agreement" under which Meng would admit to some of the allegations against her and prosecutors would defer and later drop the charges if she cooperated.

In the case, which was filed in New York, Huawei and Meng are accused of conspiring to defraud HSBC and other banks by misrepresenting Huawei's relationship with Skycom Tech Co Ltd, a suspected front company that operated in Iran.

If she were to admit wrongdoing, the Trump administration could claim victory in a thorny dispute with China, and relieve the pressure on Canada, which has found itself in the cross fire of the US-China trade war.

Huawei has said Skycom was a local business partner, but US prosecutors said it was an unofficial subsidiary used to conceal Huawei's Iran business.

US authorities say Huawei used Skycom to obtain embargoed US goods, technology and services in Iran, and to move money via the international banking system. The charges against the company include violating US sanctions on Iran.

The Trump administration has targetted Huawei's business worldwide in an effort to thwart its ambitions to supply next generation 5G networks.

Meng is due back in British Columbia Supreme Court on Monday as she fights extradition to the United States.

After Meng's arrest, China cut off imports of canola seed from Canada and detained two Canadian citizens, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, for alleged spying. They remain behind bars. 
&nbsp;

US prosecutors are discussing a deal with lawyers for Huawei finance chief Meng Wanzhou to resolve criminal charges against her. Meng, 48, was arrested in Canada in December 2018 on a US warrant.

US prosecutors are discussing a deal with lawyers for Huawei finance chief Meng Wanzhou to resolve criminal charges against her. Meng, 48, was arrested in Canada in December 2018 on a US warrant. She faces bank fraud charges for allegedly misleading HSBC Holdings Plc about Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's business dealings in Iran, which was subject to US sanctions. Negotiations between Meng's attorneys and the US Justice Department picked up after the US presidential election a month ago. This signifies a potential end to a case that has strained ties between the United States, China and Canada. Further negotiations are expected to take place on Friday. The Wall Street Journal first reported on a possible deal. It said the case might be resolved with a "deferred prosecution agreement" under which Meng would admit to some of the allegations against her and prosecutors would defer and later drop the charges if she cooperated. In the case, which was filed in New York, Huawei and Meng are accused of conspiring to defraud HSBC and other banks by misrepresenting Huawei's relationship with Skycom Tech Co Ltd, a suspected front company that operated in Iran. If she were to admit wrongdoing, the Trump administration could claim victory in a thorny dispute with China, and relieve the pressure on Canada, which has found itself in the cross fire of the US-China trade war. Huawei has said Skycom was a local business partner, but US prosecutors said it was an unofficial subsidiary used to conceal Huawei's Iran business. US authorities say Huawei used Skycom to obtain embargoed US goods, technology and services in Iran, and to move money via the international banking system. The charges against the company include violating US sanctions on Iran. The Trump administration has targetted Huawei's business worldwide in an effort to thwart its ambitions to supply next generation 5G networks. Meng is due back in British Columbia Supreme Court on Monday as she fights extradition to the United States. After Meng's arrest, China cut off imports of canola seed from Canada and detained two Canadian citizens, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, for alleged spying. They remain behind bars.

US in talks with Huawei CFO Meng on resolving criminal charges

Britain has ordered his telecommunication firms to not install new Huawei 5G kits after September next year. Meanwhile, China and its telecom firm Huawei have criticized the same decision.

World Business Watch : UK bans new Huawei 5G kit installation

They were arrested on one of the most violent days in Hong Kong last year, when protesters threw firebombs at the main government offices and set a barrier aflame outside police headquarters. But last month, a judge quickly dismantled the prosecutors’ case against them.

In his ruling, District Judge Sham Siu-man said that police officers had given unreliable testimony and that they appeared to have gone against their training by using batons to subdue one protester. He found all eight defendants not guilty, saying one had merely been asking officers to do their job when she used a loudspeaker to urge restraint.

The next day, a Chinese government-owned newspaper in Hong Kong splashed a photo of the judge, wearing his court wig and robes, on its front page beside images of protesters and burning barriers. “Strange opinion issued by the court,” the headline read. The judge, it continued, says the protesters “were actually the ones wronged.”

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-keeps-piles-of-cash-at-home-due-to-us-sanctions-346176">Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam keeps 'piles of cash' at home due to US sanctions</a>

As the Chinese Communist Party extends its grip over Hong Kong, pro-Beijing forces are increasingly targeting the city’s independent judiciary, an institution that forms the backbone of this global center for commerce and capital.

State newspapers have railed for months against “yellow judges” seen as lenient toward protesters. (The color yellow is a symbol of the protest movement.) Party officials have called for an overhaul of the courts to rein in judges’ autonomy. The city’s leadership has exerted more influence over the selection of judges.

“It would be naive for anyone to think they will leave the judiciary alone. Why would they?” said Dennis Kwok, who represented Hong Kong’s legal sector in the local legislature until he was removed from office this month. “They want to get their hands on everything.”

The far-reaching national security law that Beijing passed this summer gives the state even more authority over the Hong Kong judiciary. China’s legislature also bypassed the local courts to force the ouster of four lawmakers in November, exercising new powers that some lawyers and legal scholars worry could be turned against judges.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-charge-12-hong-kong-locals-who-were-caught-fleeing-345925">China to charge 12 Hong Kong locals who were caught fleeing</a>

The Hong Kong judiciary, with its British-born, 170-year-old tradition of robes, wigs and independence, is at the heart of an existential fight over the region’s future.

Hong Kong’s courts firmly divide the city from mainland China, where the opaque legal system is controlled by the Communist Party. The city’s underlying rule of law has helped attract droves of multinational corporations, bringing a flood of money that has made Hong Kong one of the world’s leading cities.

The judicial system’s integrity is fiercely defended in Hong Kong. The demonstrations that engulfed the city last year began over a proposal that many saw as potentially undermining the local courts, by allowing extraditions to mainland China.

In addition to imposing the national security law, Communist Party officials and state newspapers in the city are pushing for still more control. In a continuing series, Ta Kung Pao, a newspaper owned by the Chinese government’s liaison office in Hong Kong, has demanded that judges be patriotic. It has called for establishing a council to set the length of sentences, an external panel to handle complaints about judges and greater scrutiny over the judicial selection process.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-prison-wrong-to-cut-long-hair-locks-says-court-345775">Hong Kong prison wrong to cut ‘Long Hair’ locks, says court</a>

“Beijing understands that this is an area that people will be very sensitive to and the international community will be watching over,” said Eric Cheung, a legal scholar at the University of Hong Kong. “Beijing may not want to be seen as interfering with judicial independence, but I think it is very clear some Beijing officials are not happy with some decisions made by our judges.”

Even before the protests and the security law, Beijing had significant judicial oversight. When China reclaimed Hong Kong from Britain in 1997, the ultimate authority for interpretation of its laws moved to Beijing.

The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s rubber-stamp legislature, has the power to interpret the Basic Law, Hong Kong’s local constitution. Several of its rulings have gone against the city’s pro-democracy camp. The committee’s interpretation of oath-taking in 2016 paved the way for the removal of six pro-democracy lawmakers who had protested during their swearing-in ceremonies.

The security law has further constricted the city’s courts. It allows for some cases, such as those involving foreign forces or imminent threats, to be tried on the mainland. Under the law, Carrie Lam, Hong Kong’s chief executive, will designate judges for trials on national security charges.

Hong Kong’s Department of Justice recently pressed beyond the scope of the law, asking that a judge authorized to hear national security matters handle the trial of Tam Tak-chi, an activist charged with sedition and unauthorized assembly. Those charges do not fall under the security law.

Britain is considering whether to bar its judges from serving in Hong Kong. Foreign judges serve temporary roles on the Court of Final Appeal so the city can maintain ties to common-law countries.

Both the pro-Beijing and pro-democracy camps have found fault with the courts over protest cases — perhaps signaling that the judiciary remains an impartial institution, with a range of outlooks among judges.

A High Court judge was criticized by pro-Beijing figures for ruling this month that the riot police had not been carrying sufficient identification and that mechanisms for dealing with complaints of police mistreatment needed to be improved. The Hong Kong Journalists Association had filed the suit over the police’s handling of reporters during protests.

Some judges have been condemned by the opposition for giving tough sentences to demonstrators or for appearing to sympathize with people who attacked protesters. After a district judge compared the protest movement to terrorism in an April ruling, Geoffrey Ma, chief justice of the Court of Final Appeal, barred him from future cases related to the political upheaval.

The criticism of judges, from both sides, has grown so frequent this year that Ma issued a lengthy defense of the judiciary’s independence.

“It is wrong to make serious accusations of bias or breach of fundamental principles merely based on a result of a case not to one’s liking,” he wrote in September. “The judiciary is not above criticism by any means, but any criticism must be solidly based and properly made. In particular, there must not be a politicization of the judiciary and its functions.”

So far, the protest cases that have been prosecuted do not indicate that the courts lean strongly to one side or another.

Of 10,148 people arrested in the protests, 2,325 have been prosecuted for crimes such as rioting, unlawful assembly or assault. As of the end of October, 372 had been convicted and 77 acquitted, according to Hong Kong police records.

They were arrested on one of the most violent days in Hong Kong last year, when protesters threw firebombs at the main government offices and set a barrier aflame outside police headquarters.

They were arrested on one of the most violent days in Hong Kong last year, when protesters threw firebombs at the main government offices and set a barrier aflame outside police headquarters. But last month, a judge quickly dismantled the prosecutors’ case against them. In his ruling, District Judge Sham Siu-man said that police officers had given unreliable testimony and that they appeared to have gone against their training by using batons to subdue one protester. He found all eight defendants not guilty, saying one had merely been asking officers to do their job when she used a loudspeaker to urge restraint. The next day, a Chinese government-owned newspaper in Hong Kong splashed a photo of the judge, wearing his court wig and robes, on its front page beside images of protesters and burning barriers. “Strange opinion issued by the court,” the headline read. The judge, it continued, says the protesters “were actually the ones wronged.” Also read| Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam keeps 'piles of cash' at home due to US sanctions As the Chinese Communist Party extends its grip over Hong Kong, pro-Beijing forces are increasingly targeting the city’s independent judiciary, an institution that forms the backbone of this global center for commerce and capital. State newspapers have railed for months against “yellow judges” seen as lenient toward protesters. (The color yellow is a symbol of the protest movement.) Party officials have called for an overhaul of the courts to rein in judges’ autonomy. The city’s leadership has exerted more influence over the selection of judges. “It would be naive for anyone to think they will leave the judiciary alone. Why would they?” said Dennis Kwok, who represented Hong Kong’s legal sector in the local legislature until he was removed from office this month. “They want to get their hands on everything.” The far-reaching national security law that Beijing passed this summer gives the state even more authority over the Hong Kong judiciary. China’s legislature also bypassed the local courts to force the ouster of four lawmakers in November, exercising new powers that some lawyers and legal scholars worry could be turned against judges. Also read| China to charge 12 Hong Kong locals who were caught fleeing The Hong Kong judiciary, with its British-born, 170-year-old tradition of robes, wigs and independence, is at the heart of an existential fight over the region’s future. Hong Kong’s courts firmly divide the city from mainland China, where the opaque legal system is controlled by the Communist Party. The city’s underlying rule of law has helped attract droves of multinational corporations, bringing a flood of money that has made Hong Kong one of the world’s leading cities. The judicial system’s integrity is fiercely defended in Hong Kong. The demonstrations that engulfed the city last year began over a proposal that many saw as potentially undermining the local courts, by allowing extraditions to mainland China. In addition to imposing the national security law, Communist Party officials and state newspapers in the city are pushing for still more control. In a continuing series, Ta Kung Pao, a newspaper owned by the Chinese government’s liaison office in Hong Kong, has demanded that judges be patriotic. It has called for establishing a council to set the length of sentences, an external panel to handle complaints about judges and greater scrutiny over the judicial selection process. Also read| Hong Kong prison wrong to cut ‘Long Hair’ locks, says court “Beijing understands that this is an area that people will be very sensitive to and the international community will be watching over,” said Eric Cheung, a legal scholar at the University of Hong Kong. “Beijing may not want to be seen as interfering with judicial independence, but I think it is very clear some Beijing officials are not happy with some decisions made by our judges.” Even before the protests and the security law, Beijing had significant judicial oversight. When China reclaimed Hong Kong from Britain in 1997, the ultimate authority for interpretation of its laws moved to Beijing. The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s rubber-stamp legislature, has the power to interpret the Basic Law, Hong Kong’s local constitution. Several of its rulings have gone against the city’s pro-democracy camp. The committee’s interpretation of oath-taking in 2016 paved the way for the removal of six pro-democracy lawmakers who had protested during their swearing-in ceremonies. The security law has further constricted the city’s courts. It allows for some cases, such as those involving foreign forces or imminent threats, to be tried on the mainland. Under the law, Carrie Lam, Hong Kong’s chief executive, will designate judges for trials on national security charges. Hong Kong’s Department of Justice recently pressed beyond the scope of the law, asking that a judge authorized to hear national security matters handle the trial of Tam Tak-chi, an activist charged with sedition and unauthorized assembly. Those charges do not fall under the security law. Britain is considering whether to bar its judges from serving in Hong Kong. Foreign judges serve temporary roles on the Court of Final Appeal so the city can maintain ties to common-law countries. Both the pro-Beijing and pro-democracy camps have found fault with the courts over protest cases — perhaps signaling that the judiciary remains an impartial institution, with a range of outlooks among judges. A High Court judge was criticized by pro-Beijing figures for ruling this month that the riot police had not been carrying sufficient identification and that mechanisms for dealing with complaints of police mistreatment needed to be improved. The Hong Kong Journalists Association had filed the suit over the police’s handling of reporters during protests. Some judges have been condemned by the opposition for giving tough sentences to demonstrators or for appearing to sympathize with people who attacked protesters. After a district judge compared the protest movement to terrorism in an April ruling, Geoffrey Ma, chief justice of the Court of Final Appeal, barred him from future cases related to the political upheaval. The criticism of judges, from both sides, has grown so frequent this year that Ma issued a lengthy defense of the judiciary’s independence. “It is wrong to make serious accusations of bias or breach of fundamental principles merely based on a result of a case not to one’s liking,” he wrote in September. “The judiciary is not above criticism by any means, but any criticism must be solidly based and properly made. In particular, there must not be a politicization of the judiciary and its functions.” So far, the protest cases that have been prosecuted do not indicate that the courts lean strongly to one side or another. Of 10,148 people arrested in the protests, 2,325 have been prosecuted for crimes such as rioting, unlawful assembly or assault. As of the end of October, 372 had been convicted and 77 acquitted, according to Hong Kong police records.

Britain bans installation of new Huawei 5G equipment from September 2021

Lawyers for detained Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou have accused Canadian police of trying to "cover up" the illegal sharing of data from her electronic devices with the FBI ahead of her high-profile arrest in Vancouver.

Meng, chief financial officer of the Chinese tech giant, has been fighting extradition from Canada to the US, where she faces fraud and conspiracy charges related to alleged violations by Huawei of American sanctions on Iran.

Her defense on Thursday said the Royal Canadian Mounted Police shared her electronic device information with US authorities, alleging the Canadians and Americans conspired to breach her rights and violate Canada's Extradition Act.

The 48-year-old daughter of Huawei's billionaire founder Ren Zhengfei was held on a US warrant during a Vancouver stopover in December 2018, a detention that Beijing says is politically motivated.&nbsp;

Days later, Beijing arrested Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, in what Ottawa has insisted was a retaliatory move.

Alongside the charges of aiding Iran in breach of sanctions, the administration of US president Donald Trump has railed against Huawei over fears that adoption of its 5G technology could pose a spying risk.

Sergeant Janice Vander Graaf, who oversaw Meng's arresting officers, denied the cover up accusation, saying a review of emails had left her confident that Meng's information was not sent to the FBI, despite previously writing in her notes that a colleague said it had been.

That officer, Constable Gurvinder Dhaliwal, has since testified that he did not tell Graaf the information had been sent. The accused sender, RCMP Staff Sergeant Ben Chang, has denied the allegation but refused to testify.&nbsp;

Graaf said her memory of events had changed since she swore an affidavit last year.

"You are trying to cover up for Constable Dhaliwal and Staff Sergeant Chang in relation to this issue," Meng's defence lawyer Scott Fenton said in the Supreme Court of British Columbia.&nbsp;

"I suggest... you tailored your evidence to suit what you think protects the RCMP in this issue."

Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau earlier this month held firm that Canada would not bow to pressure to release Meng following fresh anger from Beijing.&nbsp;

He has also raised the case of the two detained Canadians with US President-elect Joe Biden.

Meng's extradition hearing is expected to wrap up in April 2021.

Lawyers for detained Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou have accused Canadian police of trying to "cover up" the illegal sharing of data from her electronic devices with the FBI ahead of her high-profile arrest in Vancouver.

Lawyers for detained Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou have accused Canadian police of trying to "cover up" the illegal sharing of data from her electronic devices with the FBI ahead of her high-profile arrest in Vancouver. Meng, chief financial officer of the Chinese tech giant, has been fighting extradition from Canada to the US, where she faces fraud and conspiracy charges related to alleged violations by Huawei of American sanctions on Iran. Her defense on Thursday said the Royal Canadian Mounted Police shared her electronic device information with US authorities, alleging the Canadians and Americans conspired to breach her rights and violate Canada's Extradition Act. The 48-year-old daughter of Huawei's billionaire founder Ren Zhengfei was held on a US warrant during a Vancouver stopover in December 2018, a detention that Beijing says is politically motivated. Days later, Beijing arrested Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, in what Ottawa has insisted was a retaliatory move. Alongside the charges of aiding Iran in breach of sanctions, the administration of US president Donald Trump has railed against Huawei over fears that adoption of its 5G technology could pose a spying risk. Sergeant Janice Vander Graaf, who oversaw Meng's arresting officers, denied the cover up accusation, saying a review of emails had left her confident that Meng's information was not sent to the FBI, despite previously writing in her notes that a colleague said it had been. That officer, Constable Gurvinder Dhaliwal, has since testified that he did not tell Graaf the information had been sent. The accused sender, RCMP Staff Sergeant Ben Chang, has denied the allegation but refused to testify. Graaf said her memory of events had changed since she swore an affidavit last year. "You are trying to cover up for Constable Dhaliwal and Staff Sergeant Chang in relation to this issue," Meng's defence lawyer Scott Fenton said in the Supreme Court of British Columbia. "I suggest... you tailored your evidence to suit what you think protects the RCMP in this issue." Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau earlier this month held firm that Canada would not bow to pressure to release Meng following fresh anger from Beijing. He has also raised the case of the two detained Canadians with US President-elect Joe Biden. Meng's extradition hearing is expected to wrap up in April 2021.

Detained Huawei exec's team accuses Canada police of 'cover up'

Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei called on employees of its departing Honor subbrand to strive to surpass its parent in a farewell speech as the tech giant sells the budget brand to keep its sanction-hobbled supply chains alive.

Huawei Technologies said earlier this month it would sell Honor to a new entity called Shenzhen Zhixin New Information Technology, formed of its agents and dealers, so it could resume sourcing components currently restricted by U.S. sanctions.

The U.S. government says Huawei is a national security threat, a claim the company denies.

"Wave after wave of severe U.S. sanctions against Huawei has led us to finally understand, certain American politicians want to kill us, not just correct us," Ren said, according to a speech posted on a Huawei employee forum on Thursday.

While Huawei could overcome the difficulties, "millions" of employees at Honor`s agents and distributors around the world would lose their jobs as sales channels dried up, Ren`s speech said.

"We don`t have to drag innocent people into the water just because we suffer," he said.

Honor-brand smartphones made up 26% of the 51.7 million handsets Huawei shipped in July-September, according to consultancy Canalys. The company`s products also include laptops, tablet computers, smart TVs and electronic accessories.

Huawei`s rivals have been ramping up production orders, anticipating they can gobble up market share while the giant is unable to produce new handsets, several industry sources recently told Reuters.

If Honor could resume production, it could retain market share, said Flora Tang, an industry analyst with Counterpoint Research.

Ren called on Honor to become Huawei`s biggest competitor after the "divorce," and said toppling Huawei should "become your slogan for motivation".

"We are your competitors in the future," he said.

Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei called on employees of its departing Honor subbrand to strive to surpass its parent in a farewell speech as the tech giant sells the budget brand to keep its sanction-hobbled supply chains alive.

Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei called on employees of its departing Honor subbrand to strive to surpass its parent in a farewell speech as the tech giant sells the budget brand to keep its sanction-hobbled supply chains alive. Huawei Technologies said earlier this month it would sell Honor to a new entity called Shenzhen Zhixin New Information Technology, formed of its agents and dealers, so it could resume sourcing components currently restricted by U.S. sanctions. The U.S. government says Huawei is a national security threat, a claim the company denies. "Wave after wave of severe U.S. sanctions against Huawei has led us to finally understand, certain American politicians want to kill us, not just correct us," Ren said, according to a speech posted on a Huawei employee forum on Thursday. While Huawei could overcome the difficulties, "millions" of employees at Honor`s agents and distributors around the world would lose their jobs as sales channels dried up, Ren`s speech said. "We don`t have to drag innocent people into the water just because we suffer," he said. Honor-brand smartphones made up 26% of the 51.7 million handsets Huawei shipped in July-September, according to consultancy Canalys. The company`s products also include laptops, tablet computers, smart TVs and electronic accessories. Huawei`s rivals have been ramping up production orders, anticipating they can gobble up market share while the giant is unable to produce new handsets, several industry sources recently told Reuters. If Honor could resume production, it could retain market share, said Flora Tang, an industry analyst with Counterpoint Research. Ren called on Honor to become Huawei`s biggest competitor after the "divorce," and said toppling Huawei should "become your slogan for motivation". "We are your competitors in the future," he said.

Huawei founder urges Honor subbrand to become competitor after split

The Canadian police supervisor in Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou's arrest two years ago denied on Wednesday that police directed border authorities to hide from Meng that she was the target of an arrest warrant while they questioned her.

Meng, chief financial officer of the Chinese telecom giant, was arrested on December 1, 2018 at the Vancouver airport by Canadian authorities acting on a US warrant.

For two years she has been fighting extradition&nbsp;to the United States, where she faces fraud charges related to the company's activities in Iran in breach of US sanctions.

Her lawyers have tried to derail the extradition procedure by arguing that Meng's rights were violated during her arrest, which Canada denies. This month's hearings have heard from police and customs officers involved in her arrest.

The defence have said that the daughter of the Huawei founder was interrogated for three hours without her lawyer and without being told why, and had to give the passwords to her electronic devices to customs officials, who passed them on to Canadian federal police.

Police then sent them to US Federal Bureau of Investigation agents, according to the defense, which denounced "collusion" between the two bodies.

At Wednesday's hearing, defense lawyer Scott Fenton accused Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Sergeant Janice Vander Graaf of telling border officials to hide a sealed indictment and arrest warrant from Meng when she was interrogated on the day of her arrest.

The documents would have made her aware she was entitled to a lawyer.

Meng was interviewed for three hours by Canadian border officials before being arrested by the RCMP. Border agents wrote down serial numbers and passcodes for her devices.

Meng has said she is innocent and is fighting the extradition, arguing the abuses of process that her lawyers say occurred violated her civil rights and should invalidate it.

Vander Graaf testified on Wednesday that neither she nor any fellow officers requested the passcodes from the CBSA.

Witness testimony is set to last until Friday, with the potential for two to three more days scheduled in December.

Diplomatic relations between Ottawa and Beijing have deteriorated since Meng's arrest. China arrested Canadian citizens Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig on espionage charges days later.

Meng's extradition hearing is expected to wrap up in April 2021.

(with inputs from agencies)

The Canadian police supervisor in Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou's arrest two years ago denied on Wednesday that police directed border authorities to hide from Meng that she was the target of an arrest warrant while they questioned her.

The Canadian police supervisor in Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou's arrest two years ago denied on Wednesday that police directed border authorities to hide from Meng that she was the target of an arrest warrant while they questioned her. Meng, chief financial officer of the Chinese telecom giant, was arrested on December 1, 2018 at the Vancouver airport by Canadian authorities acting on a US warrant. For two years she has been fighting extradition to the United States, where she faces fraud charges related to the company's activities in Iran in breach of US sanctions. Her lawyers have tried to derail the extradition procedure by arguing that Meng's rights were violated during her arrest, which Canada denies. This month's hearings have heard from police and customs officers involved in her arrest. The defence have said that the daughter of the Huawei founder was interrogated for three hours without her lawyer and without being told why, and had to give the passwords to her electronic devices to customs officials, who passed them on to Canadian federal police. Police then sent them to US Federal Bureau of Investigation agents, according to the defense, which denounced "collusion" between the two bodies. At Wednesday's hearing, defense lawyer Scott Fenton accused Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Sergeant Janice Vander Graaf of telling border officials to hide a sealed indictment and arrest warrant from Meng when she was interrogated on the day of her arrest. The documents would have made her aware she was entitled to a lawyer. Meng was interviewed for three hours by Canadian border officials before being arrested by the RCMP. Border agents wrote down serial numbers and passcodes for her devices. Meng has said she is innocent and is fighting the extradition, arguing the abuses of process that her lawyers say occurred violated her civil rights and should invalidate it. Vander Graaf testified on Wednesday that neither she nor any fellow officers requested the passcodes from the CBSA. Witness testimony is set to last until Friday, with the potential for two to three more days scheduled in December. Diplomatic relations between Ottawa and Beijing have deteriorated since Meng's arrest. China arrested Canadian citizens Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig on espionage charges days later. Meng's extradition hearing is expected to wrap up in April 2021. (with inputs from agencies)

Canadian police supervisor testifies at Huawei exec's extradition hearing

Chinese telecom giant Huawei announced Tuesday it has sold its Honor budget phone line to a domestic consortium in a move it said was necessary to keep the brand alive amid "tremendous" supply chain pressures caused by US sanctions.

Honor has been purchased by a group of 40 companies comprised of agents, distributors and other businesses dependent on the brand's survival, Huawei and the consortium said in separate statements.

Huawei, which earlier this year became the world's top mobile phone seller, said its consumer business "has been under tremendous pressure" due to a growing inability to acquire components as the US seeks to cut the company off from the global supply chain.

The sale appears aimed at getting Honor out from under the Huawei umbrella, thereby allowing the brand to source components without being affected by the US sanctions.

"This sale will help Honor's channel sellers and suppliers make it through this difficult time," said Huawei, based in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen.

The sale is the latest sign that Huawei -- also the world's largest supplier of telecommunications networking equipment -- is being squeezed hard by the US campaign against it.

The administration of President Trump alleges that Huawei has close ties to China's government and military and that the equipment it has installed globally could be used by Beijing for espionage.

Both China's government and the company deny the accusation and say that the United States has never produced any evidence backing up its allegations.

Washington has taken steps to bar Huawei from the US market and prevent US companies doing business with it, has moved to cut off its access to global supplies of semiconductors and other components, and pressured other countries to shun Huawei telecom gear.

Huawei officials have said the attacks are motivated more by a US desire to bring down a successful business rival.

- 'Saving' Honor -

The sale of Honor -- whose shipments were included in Huawei's overall totals -- looks certain to weigh Huawei down in the race with Samsung and Apple to lead world mobile phone sales.&nbsp;

Huawei overtook Samsung as the world's largest mobile phone seller in the second quarter of this year, only to drop back to number two in the third quarter, followed by Apple.

Honor is a line aimed primarily at younger or more budget-conscious buyers and contributes more than 70 million phone sales annually to Huawei's overall totals, according to Huawei.

Huawei sold 51.9 million handsets in the third quarter, according to industry trackers IDC.&nbsp;

"This acquisition represents a market-driven investment made to save Honor's industry chain," said the consortium of buyers, Shenzhen Zhixin New Information Technology Co.

"It is the best solution to protect the interests of Honor's consumers, channel sellers, suppliers, partners, and employees."

The buyers include a handful of listed companies, most notably Chinese retail giant Suning.com Group.

Huawei said it will no longer "hold any shares or be involved in any business management or decision-making activities in the new Honor company".

In recent weeks, Huawei reported unusually slow revenue growth for the first nine months of the year and Sweden joined the list of European countries banning the use of the company's equipment, though a Swedish court subsequently suspended the ban pending a legal review.

 
Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou has meanwhile suffered a series of legal setbacks in her fight against extradition from Canada to the United States.

Meng was arrested in 2018 on a warrant issued by the United States, where she is wanted on fraud charges related to Huawei violations of US sanctions on Iran.&nbsp;

Her extradition hearings are expected to wrap up in April 2021.

Chinese telecom giant Huawei announced Tuesday it has sold its Honor budget phone line to a domestic consortium in a move it said was necessary to keep the brand alive amid "tremendous" supply chain pressures caused by US sanctions.

Chinese telecom giant Huawei announced Tuesday it has sold its Honor budget phone line to a domestic consortium in a move it said was necessary to keep the brand alive amid "tremendous" supply chain pressures caused by US sanctions. Honor has been purchased by a group of 40 companies comprised of agents, distributors and other businesses dependent on the brand's survival, Huawei and the consortium said in separate statements. Huawei, which earlier this year became the world's top mobile phone seller, said its consumer business "has been under tremendous pressure" due to a growing inability to acquire components as the US seeks to cut the company off from the global supply chain. The sale appears aimed at getting Honor out from under the Huawei umbrella, thereby allowing the brand to source components without being affected by the US sanctions. "This sale will help Honor's channel sellers and suppliers make it through this difficult time," said Huawei, based in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen. The sale is the latest sign that Huawei -- also the world's largest supplier of telecommunications networking equipment -- is being squeezed hard by the US campaign against it. The administration of President Trump alleges that Huawei has close ties to China's government and military and that the equipment it has installed globally could be used by Beijing for espionage. Both China's government and the company deny the accusation and say that the United States has never produced any evidence backing up its allegations. Washington has taken steps to bar Huawei from the US market and prevent US companies doing business with it, has moved to cut off its access to global supplies of semiconductors and other components, and pressured other countries to shun Huawei telecom gear. Huawei officials have said the attacks are motivated more by a US desire to bring down a successful business rival. - 'Saving' Honor - The sale of Honor -- whose shipments were included in Huawei's overall totals -- looks certain to weigh Huawei down in the race with Samsung and Apple to lead world mobile phone sales. Huawei overtook Samsung as the world's largest mobile phone seller in the second quarter of this year, only to drop back to number two in the third quarter, followed by Apple. Honor is a line aimed primarily at younger or more budget-conscious buyers and contributes more than 70 million phone sales annually to Huawei's overall totals, according to Huawei. Huawei sold 51.9 million handsets in the third quarter, according to industry trackers IDC. "This acquisition represents a market-driven investment made to save Honor's industry chain," said the consortium of buyers, Shenzhen Zhixin New Information Technology Co. "It is the best solution to protect the interests of Honor's consumers, channel sellers, suppliers, partners, and employees." The buyers include a handful of listed companies, most notably Chinese retail giant Suning.com Group. Huawei said it will no longer "hold any shares or be involved in any business management or decision-making activities in the new Honor company". In recent weeks, Huawei reported unusually slow revenue growth for the first nine months of the year and Sweden joined the list of European countries banning the use of the company's equipment, though a Swedish court subsequently suspended the ban pending a legal review. Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou has meanwhile suffered a series of legal setbacks in her fight against extradition from Canada to the United States. Meng was arrested in 2018 on a warrant issued by the United States, where she is wanted on fraud charges related to Huawei violations of US sanctions on Iran. Her extradition hearings are expected to wrap up in April 2021.

Huawei sells off budget phone brand as US pressure bites

Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou faces a new round of extradition hearings starting Monday in Vancouver, as the two-year anniversary of her arrest by Canadian authorities approaches.

Meng, chief financial officer of the Chinese tech giant, has been fighting extradition to the United States, where she faces fraud and conspiracy charges related to alleged violations by Huawei of US sanctions on Iran.

Her arrest in Vancouver on December 1, 2018 plunged Canada-China relations into crisis.

Days later, two Canadians were detained in China, accused by Beijing of espionage in what Ottawa has insisted was a retaliatory move.

China insists that Meng has violated no laws, and says the detention of the two Canadians was unrelated.&nbsp;The US and Canada have demanded their release.

Over the next two weeks in a court in Vancouver, Meng's lawyers are scheduled to continue their cross-examination of law enforcement witnesses involved in her detention.

The first witness is expected to be Bryce McRae, a superintendent at the Canada Border Services Agency. He was involved in Meng's detention at Vancouver airport.

Meng's lawyers contend that Canada violated her rights when she was detained, searched and interrogated for hours.

Meng has argued, moreover, that US President Donald Trump "poisoned" her chances for a fair hearing by suggesting in 2018 that he might intervene in the case if doing so might help trade talks with China.

As the extradition hearings resume, Canada's attorney general has been given a day on December 7 to argue that the court should block some evidence regarding Trump's involvement.

When Meng last appeared in court in October, her lawyer accused Canadian border officers of colluding with federal police to obtain her electronic device passcodes.

One officer admitted he made a "mistake," unintentionally giving Meng's codes to police.&nbsp;

Days earlier, the arresting policeman said he also erred when he swore in an arrest affidavit that Meng had "no ties" to Canada, when in fact he soon learned she had two homes there and once held permanent residence.

But Canada has consistently denied that Meng's rights have been abused or that she has been treated unfairly. She has been under house arrest.

The US has accused Meng of hiding Huawei's relationship with former subsidiary Skycom to evade US sanctions on Iran, an allegation she denies.

The Trump administration argues that Huawei has ties to China's Communist Party and that its new 5G technology could be used for espionage. It has urged other countries to cut ties with the company.

The extradition case is scheduled to wrap up in April 2021.

Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou faces a new round of extradition hearings starting Monday in Vancouver, as the two-year anniversary of her arrest by Canadian authorities approaches.

Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou faces a new round of extradition hearings starting Monday in Vancouver, as the two-year anniversary of her arrest by Canadian authorities approaches. Meng, chief financial officer of the Chinese tech giant, has been fighting extradition to the United States, where she faces fraud and conspiracy charges related to alleged violations by Huawei of US sanctions on Iran. Her arrest in Vancouver on December 1, 2018 plunged Canada-China relations into crisis. Days later, two Canadians were detained in China, accused by Beijing of espionage in what Ottawa has insisted was a retaliatory move. China insists that Meng has violated no laws, and says the detention of the two Canadians was unrelated. The US and Canada have demanded their release. Over the next two weeks in a court in Vancouver, Meng's lawyers are scheduled to continue their cross-examination of law enforcement witnesses involved in her detention. The first witness is expected to be Bryce McRae, a superintendent at the Canada Border Services Agency. He was involved in Meng's detention at Vancouver airport. Meng's lawyers contend that Canada violated her rights when she was detained, searched and interrogated for hours. Meng has argued, moreover, that US President Donald Trump "poisoned" her chances for a fair hearing by suggesting in 2018 that he might intervene in the case if doing so might help trade talks with China. As the extradition hearings resume, Canada's attorney general has been given a day on December 7 to argue that the court should block some evidence regarding Trump's involvement. When Meng last appeared in court in October, her lawyer accused Canadian border officers of colluding with federal police to obtain her electronic device passcodes. One officer admitted he made a "mistake," unintentionally giving Meng's codes to police. Days earlier, the arresting policeman said he also erred when he swore in an arrest affidavit that Meng had "no ties" to Canada, when in fact he soon learned she had two homes there and once held permanent residence. But Canada has consistently denied that Meng's rights have been abused or that she has been treated unfairly. She has been under house arrest. The US has accused Meng of hiding Huawei's relationship with former subsidiary Skycom to evade US sanctions on Iran, an allegation she denies. The Trump administration argues that Huawei has ties to China's Communist Party and that its new 5G technology could be used for espionage. It has urged other countries to cut ties with the company. The extradition case is scheduled to wrap up in April 2021.

Canada to resume hearings on extradition of Huawei exec

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday said that his country would not bow down to pressure coming in from China, referring to the case of Huawei.&nbsp;

Huawei’s Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou was arrested in Canada on a warrant by US two years ago.

Owing to this, a diplomatic crisis has taken shape between China and Canada. After Meng’s arrest, China detained two Canadian citizens - Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig on charges of espionage.

"We don't believe in coercive diplomacy and ... we actually deeply believe that if you start giving into that kind of pressure, you'll leave yourself worse off for the long term," Trudeau said during an FT online conference in an interview.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/technology/samsung-may-launch-flagship-phone-early-to-grab-huawei-share-341786" hreflang="en">Samsung may launch flagship phone early to grab Huawei share</a>

“China continues to think that they can just put enough pressure on us and we will ... give in, but that's exactly the opposite of our position," he added.

Huawei’s Meng has denied charges against her in the US, and is currently fighting extradition from house arrest in Vancouver.

A Canadian court in August blocked Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou's request for intelligence documents over national security concerns.

To this end, China’s embassy in Canada said Ottawa was “accomplice to United States efforts to bring down Huawei and Chinese high-tech companies.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/technology/huawei-appeals-against-swedens-ban-on-5g-network-ban-341098" hreflang="en">Huawei appeals against Sweden's ban on 5G network ban</a>

Meng, a Chinese citizen and daughter of Huawei’s billionaire founder Ren Zheng, was arrested in December 2018 on a warrant issued by US authorities. They accused her of bank fraud for misleading HSBC about Huawei’s relationship with a company operating in Iran, putting HSBC at risk of fines and penalties for breaking US sanctions on Tehran. Meng had consistently denied the charges.

The Huawei executive's lawyers had sought access to the sensitive documents to support claims of abuse of process during her arrest, however, Justice Catherine Kane said that documents "is not relevant to the allegations of abuse of process described by counsel for Ms. Meng."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/china-warns-swedish-firms-of-tit-for-tat-action-after-huawei-ban-336962" hreflang="en">China warns Swedish firms of tit-for-tat action after Huawei ban</a>

Canadian government lawyers had earlier said that it has released as much information as it legally can on Meng's arrest as her lawyers pushed for the release of more documents to support their claim that the Canadian and American authorities committed abuses of process while questioning Meng.

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday said that his country would not bow down to pressure coming in from China, referring to the case of Huawei. Huawei’s Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou was arrested in Canada on a warrant by US two years ago.

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday said that his country would not bow down to pressure coming in from China, referring to the case of Huawei. Huawei’s Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou was arrested in Canada on a warrant by US two years ago. Owing to this, a diplomatic crisis has taken shape between China and Canada. After Meng’s arrest, China detained two Canadian citizens - Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig on charges of espionage. "We don't believe in coercive diplomacy and ... we actually deeply believe that if you start giving into that kind of pressure, you'll leave yourself worse off for the long term," Trudeau said during an FT online conference in an interview. Also read: Samsung may launch flagship phone early to grab Huawei share “China continues to think that they can just put enough pressure on us and we will ... give in, but that's exactly the opposite of our position," he added. Huawei’s Meng has denied charges against her in the US, and is currently fighting extradition from house arrest in Vancouver. A Canadian court in August blocked Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou's request for intelligence documents over national security concerns. To this end, China’s embassy in Canada said Ottawa was “accomplice to United States efforts to bring down Huawei and Chinese high-tech companies.” Also read: Huawei appeals against Sweden's ban on 5G network ban Meng, a Chinese citizen and daughter of Huawei’s billionaire founder Ren Zheng, was arrested in December 2018 on a warrant issued by US authorities. They accused her of bank fraud for misleading HSBC about Huawei’s relationship with a company operating in Iran, putting HSBC at risk of fines and penalties for breaking US sanctions on Tehran. Meng had consistently denied the charges. The Huawei executive's lawyers had sought access to the sensitive documents to support claims of abuse of process during her arrest, however, Justice Catherine Kane said that documents "is not relevant to the allegations of abuse of process described by counsel for Ms. Meng." Also read: China warns Swedish firms of tit-for-tat action after Huawei ban Canadian government lawyers had earlier said that it has released as much information as it legally can on Meng's arrest as her lawyers pushed for the release of more documents to support their claim that the Canadian and American authorities committed abuses of process while questioning Meng.

Canada will not give in to China's 'coercive diplomacy', says PM Trudeau

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd&nbsp;may soon launch its flagship Galaxy S smartphones almost&nbsp;a month earlier than expected in a bid to grab market share from Huawei and fend off competition from Apple Inc.

Samsung is preparing to launch its new Galaxy S21 as early as late January next year, whereas it previously launched its flagship S20 phone in early March this year.&nbsp;Samsung, which lost its No.1 position to Huawei in the second quarter, regained the crown in the third thanks in part to the U.S. restrictions on Huawei.

Huawei Technologies Co Ltd&nbsp;once challenged Samsung`s top position in the global smartphone market, but the Chinese rival is in survival mode with U.S. restrictions choking off its supplies of chips used in smartphones and telecom equipment.

South Korean chip industry officials hope Joe Biden`s presidency will ease some of those restrictions, although they are far from certain as they also expect the incoming U.S. administration to maintain a tough stance on China. 
 
The South Korean company shipped 59% fewer Galaxy S20 5G series handsets in the United States in the second quarter compared to the previous model`s performance a year earlier, according to research firm Canalys. In contrast, Apple&nbsp;shipped 15% more of its flagship iPhone 11 than last year`s best-seller, the iPhone XR.

Samsung&nbsp;faces intensifying competition from Chinese rivals like Xiaomi and Oppo, which are expected to take advantage of Huawei’s struggle to retain market share. Apple also launched its iPhone series in October, about a month later than usual, stepping up competition.

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd may soon launch its flagship Galaxy S smartphones almost a month earlier than expected in a bid to grab market share from Huawei and fend off competition from Apple Inc.

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd may soon launch its flagship Galaxy S smartphones almost a month earlier than expected in a bid to grab market share from Huawei and fend off competition from Apple Inc. Samsung is preparing to launch its new Galaxy S21 as early as late January next year, whereas it previously launched its flagship S20 phone in early March this year. Samsung, which lost its No.1 position to Huawei in the second quarter, regained the crown in the third thanks in part to the U.S. restrictions on Huawei. Huawei Technologies Co Ltd once challenged Samsung`s top position in the global smartphone market, but the Chinese rival is in survival mode with U.S. restrictions choking off its supplies of chips used in smartphones and telecom equipment. South Korean chip industry officials hope Joe Biden`s presidency will ease some of those restrictions, although they are far from certain as they also expect the incoming U.S. administration to maintain a tough stance on China. The South Korean company shipped 59% fewer Galaxy S20 5G series handsets in the United States in the second quarter compared to the previous model`s performance a year earlier, according to research firm Canalys. In contrast, Apple shipped 15% more of its flagship iPhone 11 than last year`s best-seller, the iPhone XR. Samsung faces intensifying competition from Chinese rivals like Xiaomi and Oppo, which are expected to take advantage of Huawei’s struggle to retain market share. Apple also launched its iPhone series in October, about a month later than usual, stepping up competition.

Samsung may launch flagship phone early to grab Huawei share

A Canadian judge ruled Thursday to allow Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou's lawyers to argue the US misled Canada in its request for her extradition.

Meng is wanted in the United States on fraud charges related to violations of US sanctions in Iran.

Her lawyers say the US omitted key information in a case summary that undermined the allegations of fraud, adding her arrest and extradition are invalid.&nbsp;

British Columbia Supreme Court Justice Heather Holmes said in her ruling there "is an air of reality to Ms. Meng's allegations of abuse of process in relation to the requesting state's conduct."

The case record provided by the US includes slides from a Powerpoint presentation she gave in 2013.

It was made to an HSBC executive after the British banking group, worried over potential Iran exposure, requested an explanation.

The US accuses Meng of hiding Huawei's relationship with former subsidiary Skycom in Iran from HSBC bank.

Meng insists she was upfront with HSBC, which her lawyers say was left out in the US warrant and the missing slides will show.

Canada sought to block this evidence, saying it was "not relevant to the extradition hearing" and risked turning a simple extradition proceeding into a "US trial."&nbsp;

But Holmes ruled, "Some of that evidence is realistically capable of challenging the reliability of the (record of the case) on issues relevant in the hearing."&nbsp;

Meng was arrested on a US warrant at the Vancouver airport during a stopover in December 2018, and has been fighting extradition ever since.&nbsp;

The case is scheduled to continue until April 2021.&nbsp;

A Canadian judge ruled Thursday to allow Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou's lawyers to argue the US misled Canada in its request for her extradition. Meng is wanted in the United States on fraud charges related to violations of US sanctions in Iran.

A Canadian judge ruled Thursday to allow Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou's lawyers to argue the US misled Canada in its request for her extradition. Meng is wanted in the United States on fraud charges related to violations of US sanctions in Iran. Her lawyers say the US omitted key information in a case summary that undermined the allegations of fraud, adding her arrest and extradition are invalid. British Columbia Supreme Court Justice Heather Holmes said in her ruling there "is an air of reality to Ms. Meng's allegations of abuse of process in relation to the requesting state's conduct." The case record provided by the US includes slides from a Powerpoint presentation she gave in 2013. It was made to an HSBC executive after the British banking group, worried over potential Iran exposure, requested an explanation. The US accuses Meng of hiding Huawei's relationship with former subsidiary Skycom in Iran from HSBC bank. Meng insists she was upfront with HSBC, which her lawyers say was left out in the US warrant and the missing slides will show. Canada sought to block this evidence, saying it was "not relevant to the extradition hearing" and risked turning a simple extradition proceeding into a "US trial." But Holmes ruled, "Some of that evidence is realistically capable of challenging the reliability of the (record of the case) on issues relevant in the hearing." Meng was arrested on a US warrant at the Vancouver airport during a stopover in December 2018, and has been fighting extradition ever since. The case is scheduled to continue until April 2021.

Judge allows defense to argue US misled Canada in Meng extradition

China on Wednesday told Sweden to reverse a ban on Chinese tech firms from its 5G network, warning of "negative impacts" if it did not.

The Swedish telecoms regulator issued a ban on Tuesday that would require carriers to remove existing Huawei and ZTE equipment by 2025, citing national security concerns.

Chinese telecoms companies have faced bans and heightened scrutiny in recent months over fears Beijing could use their overseas deals to spy on foreign citizens.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/us-offers-1-billion-deal-to-brazil-to-sway-it-away-from-chinas-huawei-5g-network-336778">Also read:&nbsp;US offers $1 billion deal to Brazil to sway it away from China's Huawei 5G network</a>

That has provoked a furious response from Beijing, which denies the allegations and says trumped-up security concerns are being used against its successful tech firms to hem them in for commercial reasons.

China's foreign ministry said it was "strongly dissatisfied" with Sweden's decision, accusing the Swedish government of "blatantly suppressing Chinese telecom companies and politicising normal economic cooperation."

Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian urged Sweden to "correct its wrong decision" to avoid a "negative impact on China-Sweden economic and trade cooperation, and on the operations of Swedish companies in China."

Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said that the decision had not targeted China.

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"The objective of the legislation is to ensure security here in Sweden... but we have never directed it at any country," he told the Swedish news agency TT.

"It's the authorities who assess what is possible and not possible. And we obviously trust their assessment."

Sweden's decision comes amid pressure from the United States on allies to cut Huawei from their internet infrastructure.

Britain banned mobile providers from using Huawei equipment in new 5G networks in July, while France has placed heavy restrictions on the use of equipment from Huawei.

The ban has raised fears that China could retaliate against Swedish telecoms equipment maker Ericsson, which has 5G contracts with all three major Chinese telecoms operators.

China on Wednesday told Sweden to reverse a ban on Chinese tech firms from its 5G network, warning of "negative impacts" if it did not. The Swedish telecoms regulator issued a ban on Tuesday that would require carriers to remove existing Huawei and ZTE equipment by 2025, citing national security concerns.

China on Wednesday told Sweden to reverse a ban on Chinese tech firms from its 5G network, warning of "negative impacts" if it did not. The Swedish telecoms regulator issued a ban on Tuesday that would require carriers to remove existing Huawei and ZTE equipment by 2025, citing national security concerns. Chinese telecoms companies have faced bans and heightened scrutiny in recent months over fears Beijing could use their overseas deals to spy on foreign citizens. Also read: US offers $1 billion deal to Brazil to sway it away from China's Huawei 5G network That has provoked a furious response from Beijing, which denies the allegations and says trumped-up security concerns are being used against its successful tech firms to hem them in for commercial reasons. China's foreign ministry said it was "strongly dissatisfied" with Sweden's decision, accusing the Swedish government of "blatantly suppressing Chinese telecom companies and politicising normal economic cooperation." Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian urged Sweden to "correct its wrong decision" to avoid a "negative impact on China-Sweden economic and trade cooperation, and on the operations of Swedish companies in China." Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said that the decision had not targeted China. × "The objective of the legislation is to ensure security here in Sweden... but we have never directed it at any country," he told the Swedish news agency TT. "It's the authorities who assess what is possible and not possible. And we obviously trust their assessment." Sweden's decision comes amid pressure from the United States on allies to cut Huawei from their internet infrastructure. Britain banned mobile providers from using Huawei equipment in new 5G networks in July, while France has placed heavy restrictions on the use of equipment from Huawei. The ban has raised fears that China could retaliate against Swedish telecoms equipment maker Ericsson, which has 5G contracts with all three major Chinese telecoms operators.

China warns Swedish firms of tit-for-tat action after Huawei ban

The United States on Tuesday pledged a&nbsp;$1 billion deal to Brazil to sway it away from China's Huawei to develop its 5G network.

Earlier, Sweden had announced that it is banning the Chinese telecommunication company from manufacturing any equipment in the country.&nbsp;It was the latest US ally to do so, amid a pressure campaign from the Trump administration to ostracize China from the world telecoms market.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/after-united-kingdom-sweden-bans-huawei-from-upcoming-5g-networks-336623">After United Kingdom, Sweden bans Huawei from upcoming 5G networks</a>

According to&nbsp;US National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien,&nbsp;who presided over the signing during a visit to Brazil,&nbsp;the deal includes loans, guarantees, and insurance to fund Brazilian imports of US goods and services,&nbsp;"especially in the telecommunications area and the important 5G modern telecommunications network."&nbsp;

Speaking after the deal was signed, President Jair Bolsonaro reiterated his support for the re-election of his US counterpart Donald Trump, the latest shout-out from the far-right leader sometimes called the "Tropical Trump."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-convinced-many-countries-not-to-use-huawei-its-a-big-security-risk-trump-313340">US convinced many countries not to use Huawei, it's a big security risk: Trump</a>

"God willing, I hope to attend the inauguration of the&nbsp;soon-to-be re-elected president of the United States," Bolsonaro said.

The United States and Brazil have cozied up under Trump and Bolsonaro, whose shared penchant for hardline policies, vitriolic rhetoric, and social media have drawn comparisons.

But the 5G issue has become a potential source of strain as Brazil plans a tender next year to upgrade the mobile network in Latin America's biggest economy.

China is Brazil's top trading partner, and Huawei has emerged as the leading supplier of fast and cheap next-generation telecoms infrastructure.

The Trump administration warns that the firm is a security threat, accusing it of passing data and intelligence to the Chinese government.

The Chinese embassy in Brasilia lashed out angrily at comments to that effect by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and O'Brien during his visit.

"They spread lies about China in bad faith, fabricating a so-called 'Chinese threat' and attacking China's 5G technology," a spokesman said in an interview posted on the embassy's website.

Previously, Britain banned mobile providers in July from using Huawei equipment in their new 5G networks and ordered them to remove existing equipment made by the company.

France has also placed heavy restrictions on the use of Huawei equipment.

The United States on Tuesday pledged a $1 billion deal to Brazil to sway it away from China's Huawei to develop its 5G network. Earlier, Sweden had announced that it is banning the Chinese telecommunication company from manufacturing any equipment in the country.

The United States on Tuesday pledged a $1 billion deal to Brazil to sway it away from China's Huawei to develop its 5G network. Earlier, Sweden had announced that it is banning the Chinese telecommunication company from manufacturing any equipment in the country. It was the latest US ally to do so, amid a pressure campaign from the Trump administration to ostracize China from the world telecoms market. Also read: After United Kingdom, Sweden bans Huawei from upcoming 5G networks According to US National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien, who presided over the signing during a visit to Brazil, the deal includes loans, guarantees, and insurance to fund Brazilian imports of US goods and services, "especially in the telecommunications area and the important 5G modern telecommunications network." Speaking after the deal was signed, President Jair Bolsonaro reiterated his support for the re-election of his US counterpart Donald Trump, the latest shout-out from the far-right leader sometimes called the "Tropical Trump." Also read: US convinced many countries not to use Huawei, it's a big security risk: Trump "God willing, I hope to attend the inauguration of the soon-to-be re-elected president of the United States," Bolsonaro said. The United States and Brazil have cozied up under Trump and Bolsonaro, whose shared penchant for hardline policies, vitriolic rhetoric, and social media have drawn comparisons. But the 5G issue has become a potential source of strain as Brazil plans a tender next year to upgrade the mobile network in Latin America's biggest economy. China is Brazil's top trading partner, and Huawei has emerged as the leading supplier of fast and cheap next-generation telecoms infrastructure. The Trump administration warns that the firm is a security threat, accusing it of passing data and intelligence to the Chinese government. The Chinese embassy in Brasilia lashed out angrily at comments to that effect by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and O'Brien during his visit. "They spread lies about China in bad faith, fabricating a so-called 'Chinese threat' and attacking China's 5G technology," a spokesman said in an interview posted on the embassy's website. Previously, Britain banned mobile providers in July from using Huawei equipment in their new 5G networks and ordered them to remove existing equipment made by the company. France has also placed heavy restrictions on the use of Huawei equipment.

US offers $1 billion deal to Brazil to sway it away from China's Huawei 5G network

The Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has slammed CHina for its ill-treatment of&nbsp;Uighur Muslims and has warned the Asian country against its&nbsp;"coercive diplomacy".

On the 50th anniversary of Canada's diplomatic ties with China,&nbsp;Trudeau warned China against the inhumane treatment and its&nbsp;"coercive diplomacy" in Hong Kong as well as the detention of Uighur Muslims.

He warned China that Canada will not back down from taking actions against these allegations, especially after the increasing detention of Canadian citizens in China.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-gets-consular-access-to-citizens-detained-in-china-334474">Also read:&nbsp;Canada gets consular access to citizens detained in China</a>

"We will remain absolutely committed to working with our allies to ensure that China's approach of coercive diplomacy, its arbitrary detention of two Canadian citizens alongside other citizens of other countries around the world is not viewed as a successful tactic by them," Trudeau said at a press conference.

He also urged other countries to come together to fight against China's rising tensions with the world. He vowed that Canada will "continue to work with our fellow like-minded nations around the world, to impress upon China that its approach to internal affairs and global affairs is not on a particularly productive path for itself or for all of us."

The statements have come a few days after Canada finally gained consular access to&nbsp;Canadian former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor who have been detained in China over the charged of espionage. Canada, however, believes this is a retaliation by China over&nbsp;Canada's arrest of Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Chinese telecoms giant Huawei and daughter of its founder.

The Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has slammed CHina for its ill-treatment of Uighur Muslims and has warned the Asian country against its "coercive diplomacy".

The Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has slammed CHina for its ill-treatment of Uighur Muslims and has warned the Asian country against its "coercive diplomacy". On the 50th anniversary of Canada's diplomatic ties with China, Trudeau warned China against the inhumane treatment and its "coercive diplomacy" in Hong Kong as well as the detention of Uighur Muslims. He warned China that Canada will not back down from taking actions against these allegations, especially after the increasing detention of Canadian citizens in China. Also read: Canada gets consular access to citizens detained in China "We will remain absolutely committed to working with our allies to ensure that China's approach of coercive diplomacy, its arbitrary detention of two Canadian citizens alongside other citizens of other countries around the world is not viewed as a successful tactic by them," Trudeau said at a press conference. He also urged other countries to come together to fight against China's rising tensions with the world. He vowed that Canada will "continue to work with our fellow like-minded nations around the world, to impress upon China that its approach to internal affairs and global affairs is not on a particularly productive path for itself or for all of us." The statements have come a few days after Canada finally gained consular access to Canadian former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor who have been detained in China over the charged of espionage. Canada, however, believes this is a retaliation by China over Canada's arrest of Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Chinese telecoms giant Huawei and daughter of its founder.

Justin Trudeau vows to fight against China's treatment of Uighur and Hong Kong

Huawei&nbsp;Technologies Co Ltd is in talks with Digital China Group Co Ltd and other suitors to sell parts of its Honor smartphone unit in a deal that could fetch up to 25 billion yuan ($3.7 billion), people with knowledge of the matter said.

Embattled&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;is resetting its priorities due to US&nbsp;sanctions and will focus on its higher-end&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;phones rather than the Honor brand which is aimed at young people and the budget conscious, they said.

The assets to be sold have yet to be finalised but could include Honor's brand, research &amp; development capabilities and related supply chain management business, two of the people said.

The deal may be an all-cash sale and could end up smaller, worth somewhere between 15 billion yuan and 25 billion yuan, one of the people said.

Digital China, the main distributor for Honor phones, has emerged as the frontrunner but other prospective buyers include Chinese electronics maker TCL and rival smartphone maker Xiaomi Corp, the people said, declining to be identified as the talks were confidential.

Huawei, the world's biggest telecoms equipment vendor and No.2 smartphone maker, declined to comment as did TCL. Digital China and Xiaomi did not respond to requests for comment.

The Honor brand was established by&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;in 2013 but the business mostly operates independently from its parent.

'A WIN-WIN SITUATION'

Kuo Ming-chi, an analyst at TF International Securities, has said that any sale by&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;of the Honor smartphone business would be a win-win situation for the Honor brand, its suppliers and China's electronics industry.

"If Honor is independent from&nbsp;Huawei, its purchase of components will no longer be subject to the US&nbsp;ban on&nbsp;Huawei. This will help Honor's smartphone business and the suppliers," he wrote in a research note last week.

The US&nbsp;government last year moved to prevent most US&nbsp;companies from conducting business with&nbsp;Huawei, saying the tech giant was ultimately answerable to the Chinese government.&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;has repeatedly denied being a national security risk.

In May, Washington announced new rules aimed at constricting&nbsp;Huawei's ability to procure crucial chips that it designs for 5G networking gear and smartphones.

The Honor brand, which sells its phones online through its own sites and via third-party retailers, competes with Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo in the market for lower-end phones in China. Its phones are also sold in Southeast Asia and Europe.

Honor brand smartphones accounted for 14.6 million, or 26 per cent of the 55.8 million smartphones&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;shipped in the second quarter of this year, according to estimates from research firm Canalys.

But margins for lower-end phones can be razor thin, and Honor booked less than 5 billion yuan in net profit on revenue of about 70-80 billion yuan last year, said one of the people.

If successful in its bid, Digital China, which also partners with&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;in cloud computing and other businesses, plans to finance the bulk of deal with bank loans and is set to secure the financing in the coming weeks, the people said.

Shares in Digital China initially rose by their maximum daily limit of 10% but later pared gains to stand 3 per cent&nbsp;higher on Wednesday afternoon, giving the Shenzhen-listed company a market value of around $2.9 billion.

Huawei Technologies Co Ltd is in talks with Digital China Group Co Ltd and other suitors to sell parts of its Honor smartphone unit in a deal that could fetch up to 25 billion yuan ($3.

Huawei Technologies Co Ltd is in talks with Digital China Group Co Ltd and other suitors to sell parts of its Honor smartphone unit in a deal that could fetch up to 25 billion yuan ($3.7 billion), people with knowledge of the matter said. Embattled Huawei is resetting its priorities due to US sanctions and will focus on its higher-end Huawei phones rather than the Honor brand which is aimed at young people and the budget conscious, they said. The assets to be sold have yet to be finalised but could include Honor's brand, research & development capabilities and related supply chain management business, two of the people said. The deal may be an all-cash sale and could end up smaller, worth somewhere between 15 billion yuan and 25 billion yuan, one of the people said. Digital China, the main distributor for Honor phones, has emerged as the frontrunner but other prospective buyers include Chinese electronics maker TCL and rival smartphone maker Xiaomi Corp, the people said, declining to be identified as the talks were confidential. Huawei, the world's biggest telecoms equipment vendor and No.2 smartphone maker, declined to comment as did TCL. Digital China and Xiaomi did not respond to requests for comment. The Honor brand was established by Huawei in 2013 but the business mostly operates independently from its parent. 'A WIN-WIN SITUATION' Kuo Ming-chi, an analyst at TF International Securities, has said that any sale by Huawei of the Honor smartphone business would be a win-win situation for the Honor brand, its suppliers and China's electronics industry. "If Honor is independent from Huawei, its purchase of components will no longer be subject to the US ban on Huawei. This will help Honor's smartphone business and the suppliers," he wrote in a research note last week. The US government last year moved to prevent most US companies from conducting business with Huawei, saying the tech giant was ultimately answerable to the Chinese government. Huawei has repeatedly denied being a national security risk. In May, Washington announced new rules aimed at constricting Huawei's ability to procure crucial chips that it designs for 5G networking gear and smartphones. The Honor brand, which sells its phones online through its own sites and via third-party retailers, competes with Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo in the market for lower-end phones in China. Its phones are also sold in Southeast Asia and Europe. Honor brand smartphones accounted for 14.6 million, or 26 per cent of the 55.8 million smartphones Huawei shipped in the second quarter of this year, according to estimates from research firm Canalys. But margins for lower-end phones can be razor thin, and Honor booked less than 5 billion yuan in net profit on revenue of about 70-80 billion yuan last year, said one of the people. If successful in its bid, Digital China, which also partners with Huawei in cloud computing and other businesses, plans to finance the bulk of deal with bank loans and is set to secure the financing in the coming weeks, the people said. Shares in Digital China initially rose by their maximum daily limit of 10% but later pared gains to stand 3 per cent higher on Wednesday afternoon, giving the Shenzhen-listed company a market value of around $2.9 billion.

Huawei in talks to sell parts of its Honor smartphone business: Sources

Canada has finaly been able to make contact with two of its citizens who were detained by the Chinese authorities in January.

The Canadian authorities have been seeking consular access for these two citizens for the past few months. Canada's Foreign Affairs Ministry&nbsp;has described these detainments to be&nbsp;"arbitrary detention" in China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/british-parliaments-defence-committee-says-huawei-colludes-with-chinese-communist-party-333440">Also read:&nbsp;British parliament's defence committee says Huawei colludes with Chinese Communist Party</a>

The department, on Sunday, reported that Canada's ambassador to China&nbsp;Dominic Barton gained&nbsp;"virtual consular access" to the two citizens on&nbsp;Friday and Saturday —&nbsp;Michael Spavor on Friday,&nbsp;Michael Kovrig on Saturday.

Two of them have been in detained in China since December 2018 on the charge of espionage, which was applied in June 2019. Kovrig is a former diplomat and Spavor was a consultant.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/orange-venture-in-belgium-replaces-huawei-and-awards-5g-contract-to-nokia-333927">Also read:&nbsp;Orange venture in Belgium replaces Huawei and awards 5G contract to Nokia</a>

Canada believes that the two citizens were detained as a retaliation for Canada detaining Chinese company Huawei's CFO, Meng Wanzhou. She was arrested in 2018 on a US warrant for the charges of bank fraud&nbsp;related to violations of US sanctions against Iran.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he spoke with Donald Trump on Saturday and thanked the US president for Washington's continued support of efforts to free the two Canadians.

Canada has finaly been able to make contact with two of its citizens who were detained by the Chinese authorities in January. The Canadian authorities have been seeking consular access for these two citizens for the past few months.

Canada has finaly been able to make contact with two of its citizens who were detained by the Chinese authorities in January. The Canadian authorities have been seeking consular access for these two citizens for the past few months. Canada's Foreign Affairs Ministry has described these detainments to be "arbitrary detention" in China. Also read: British parliament's defence committee says Huawei colludes with Chinese Communist Party The department, on Sunday, reported that Canada's ambassador to China Dominic Barton gained "virtual consular access" to the two citizens on Friday and Saturday — Michael Spavor on Friday, Michael Kovrig on Saturday. Two of them have been in detained in China since December 2018 on the charge of espionage, which was applied in June 2019. Kovrig is a former diplomat and Spavor was a consultant. Also read: Orange venture in Belgium replaces Huawei and awards 5G contract to Nokia Canada believes that the two citizens were detained as a retaliation for Canada detaining Chinese company Huawei's CFO, Meng Wanzhou. She was arrested in 2018 on a US warrant for the charges of bank fraud related to violations of US sanctions against Iran. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he spoke with Donald Trump on Saturday and thanked the US president for Washington's continued support of efforts to free the two Canadians.

Canada gets consular access to citizens detained in China

Telecoms operators Orange Belgium announced on&nbsp;on Friday that it has selected&nbsp;Nokia&nbsp;to renew its networks and roll out 5G instead on Huawei.

Orange along with&nbsp;local rival Proximus&nbsp;had decided to progressively replace Huawei-made&nbsp;mobile equipment in Belgium and Luxembourg with Nokia equipment.

The Belgian division of the operators, which share their mobile network, signed an agreement last year to share their mobile network, which is why the decision to shift to Nokia was a collective one.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/british-parliaments-defence-committee-says-huawei-colludes-with-chinese-communist-party-333440">British parliament's defence committee says Huawei colludes with Chinese Communist Party</a>

Sources close to the matter said&nbsp;they had faced political pressure to drop Huawei as a supplier following US&nbsp;accusations that Huawei’s gear could be used for spying by Beijing.

The move by Orange and Proximus represents one of the first cases in Europe where commercial operators have dropped Huawei from their next generation mobile Internet, or 5G, networks in response to political pressure.

While the United States is pressing allies to bar Huawei from 5G networks on security grounds, China and Huawei deny the spying allegations.

Belgium’s capital Brussels is home to the European Union’s executive body and parliament, making it a strategic location and a matter of particular concern for US&nbsp;intelligence agencies.

"This is the outcome of a tender organised by operators and the result of the free market," a Huawei spokesman said on the issue.

"We embrace fair competition, the more diversified a supply chain the more competitive it becomes," he said, adding that Huawei has been supplying equipment in Belgium for more than a decade and its commitment remains unchanged.

Nokia announced late last month it had clinched a deal with Britain's biggest mobile operator BT&nbsp;to supply 5G radio equipment.

Telecoms operators Orange Belgium announced on on Friday that it has selected Nokia to renew its networks and roll out 5G instead on Huawei. Orange along with local rival Proximus had decided to progressively replace Huawei-made mobile equipment in Belgium and Luxembourg with Nokia equipment.

Telecoms operators Orange Belgium announced on on Friday that it has selected Nokia to renew its networks and roll out 5G instead on Huawei. Orange along with local rival Proximus had decided to progressively replace Huawei-made mobile equipment in Belgium and Luxembourg with Nokia equipment. The Belgian division of the operators, which share their mobile network, signed an agreement last year to share their mobile network, which is why the decision to shift to Nokia was a collective one. Also read: British parliament's defence committee says Huawei colludes with Chinese Communist Party Sources close to the matter said they had faced political pressure to drop Huawei as a supplier following US accusations that Huawei’s gear could be used for spying by Beijing. The move by Orange and Proximus represents one of the first cases in Europe where commercial operators have dropped Huawei from their next generation mobile Internet, or 5G, networks in response to political pressure. While the United States is pressing allies to bar Huawei from 5G networks on security grounds, China and Huawei deny the spying allegations. Belgium’s capital Brussels is home to the European Union’s executive body and parliament, making it a strategic location and a matter of particular concern for US intelligence agencies. "This is the outcome of a tender organised by operators and the result of the free market," a Huawei spokesman said on the issue. "We embrace fair competition, the more diversified a supply chain the more competitive it becomes," he said, adding that Huawei has been supplying equipment in Belgium for more than a decade and its commitment remains unchanged. Nokia announced late last month it had clinched a deal with Britain's biggest mobile operator BT to supply 5G radio equipment.

Orange venture in Belgium replaces Huawei and awards 5G contract to Nokia

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