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The leader of the European People's Party (EPP), Manfred Weber, has warned against economic dependence on China.
"China poses a threat to European security, especially when it comes to know-how, critical infrastructure and cyberspace," Weber told the newspapers of the Funke media group.
The EU must "check takeovers of European companies and possible Chinese industrial espionage using secret service methods," demanded the EPP boss.
The EU needs an ambitious trade strategy, stressed Weber.
"Together with the USA and the western community of states, dependencies on Chinese supply chains must be reduced and our own technological level strengthened." The focus is on protecting key European industries and innovations.
Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing warned against becoming dependent on China when expanding the mobile network.
"We need European sovereignty in the digital world - also with regard to China's participation in the 5G mobile network", Wissing den Funke-Zeitungen.
»We have to have certain claims to sovereignty for certain applications so that we don't become dependent on others.«
The Chinese telecommunications group Huawei is number one in 5G network equipment.
However, the USA and subsequently also partner countries have excluded the group from expanding their 5G networks.
They fear Huawei technology could be a gateway for Chinese espionage or sabotage.
svs/AFP