The European Union has come under intense pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to block equipment made by Chinese tech giant Huawei from its 5G networks. Now, a new administration is set to take power in Washington and the 27-member bloc is anticipating what stance it will take in relation to China. © Illustration by Michael Tsang

EU hopes for 'tech alliance' with Biden after Trump Huawei 5G ban

But cutting dependence on cheap Chinese network equipment to keep testing allies

GIANNIS SEFERIADIS, contributing writer and RHYANNON BARTLETT-IMADEGAWA, Nikkei staff writer

January 12, 2021 06:07 JST

ATHENS/LONDON -- The year 2020 marked a major shift in Europe's policy toward Chinese tech giant Huawei in that the company will be excluded from fifth-generation digital infrastructure in most European Union member states.

But on another front, it was a different story. The EU and China finalized a comprehensive investment agreement in December despite differences over human rights. The deal will create opportunities for European companies in China but could also spur disgruntlement toward the EU from the incoming government of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, set to be sworn in on Jan. 20.