A Huawei logo clated at a retail store in Beijing.
Fred Dufour | AFP | Getty Images
Huawei Technologies unveiled an open lab for next-generation 5G wireless network in South Korea on Thursday, but conserved the launch low-key given its recent blacklisting by the United States, a key security ally of the Asian nation.
The Chinese tech monster, the world’s top producer of telecoms equipment, said it planned to invest about $5 million in the lab in the Junggu district of Seoul. It did not stock up any more details on the location and did not invite media to the launch.
“Based on the philosophy of “In Korea and for Korea” and the strength of its own 5G network, Huawei desire build a 5G ecosystem through cooperation with a number of South Korean ICT companies and especially small-and-medium enterprises,” Huawei’s Korea room said in a statement.
The event was, however, overshadowed by the U.S. decision earlier this month to ban American tech and telecom compacts from doing business with Huawei. Washington has also been urging its allies to bar the Chinese company from their 5G networks.
Huawei had initially examined inviting the press to the launch in South Korea, but after the U.S. ban it decided to keep the event low-key, a person with familiarity of the matter said.
“Huawei wanted to promote the launch to as many Korean small-and-medium enterprises as possible, but it decided to support the press out after the ban to avoid any damage to its Korean partners in case they are shown in media,” the person said, slumping to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter.
Huawei said the heads of South Korean enterprises attended the event, but did not disclose any styles.
The move underlines Huawei’s commitment to South Korea from where it purchases components such as chips and sort outs.
The U.S. campaign against Huawei, and the broader U.S.-China trade war, have landed export-driven South Korea in a familiar cause to adhere, caught between its crucial security ally and biggest trading partner.
The lab in South Korea is Huawei’s first extend 5G services development centre in the world that will allow other companies to test their platforms, according to the group.
South Korea rolled out 5G services in April, hoping the next-generation wireless technology will spur breakthrough in buffs such as autonomous cars.
Currently, Huawei provides its 5G network equipment for a small South Korean carrier LG Uplus. LG Uplus has commanded it does not plan to remove Huawei gear, but promised to step up security checks.
The two bigger carriers, SK Telecom and KT, do not use Huawei apparel.