Chinese tech giant Huawei Technologies Co. is planning to complete its project of constructing an internet network in Papua New Guinea despite cyberspying allegations coming from the United States, Japan, and Australia, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday. The project includes construction of a 3,400 miles of underwater cables connecting capital Port Moresby to other coastal cities in Papua New Guinea, as well as an island where the US and Australia planned to expand their naval bases. Washington accused Huawei of using the equipment of cyberspying and the company dismissed the allegations.
Papua New Guinea investments minister William Duma endorsed the project, saying that the country cannot reject the already half-finished construction. Duma added the country sees no "enemies" in the project, emphasizing its need for better telecommunications infrastructure. "Whatever views Australia or the U.S. might have in relation to cybersecurity, as far as Huawei or China are concerned, those are for the big boys to worry about," he pointed out.
Washington already issued a warning earlier to its allies not to use Huawei's equipment due to the alleged security risks of using Chinese technology. The US particularly warned about parts used to install and run 5G networks.
