The Spanish Government has announced that its contract with Chinese multinational Huawei, valued at twelve point three million euros, does not threaten national cybersecurity. This comes in response to criticism from the opposition, particularly the People’s Party, which has called for the appearance of several ministers in Congress to address concerns over the contract’s approval. The Government asserts that the security of communications remains assured to the highest European standards.

Huawei, which is banned in the United States due to espionage allegations, will provide servers for data storage but will not have access to the information, which will be managed exclusively by the Spanish police and civil guard. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, has accused the opposition of demagoguery and urged them not to unnecessarily alarm the public, asserting that national security is guaranteed.

Members of the People’s Party have branded the contract as “high risk for the security of the State” and pointed out that a Chinese law could compel the firm to provide intelligence with any required information. They have linked the contract to alleged corruption affecting the Government and have requested that various ministers elucidate their involvement in the matter.

In the backdrop of this controversy lies an ongoing trade and technology battle between the United States and China, with Huawei emerging as a major player in the European market, particularly in terms of fifth-generation network technology. The EU has previously warned that companies like Huawei and ZTE pose substantial risks to security, yet Spain has not instituted an explicit ban on Huawei’s involvement.