Andre Yoskowitz
19 Jul 2013 22:16
The former head of the CIA says he knows of hard evidence that links Chinese smartphone and equipment maker Huawei to spying for the Chinese government.
Michael Hayden, who was also the former boss of the NSA, says Huawei has "shared with the Chinese state intimate and extensive knowledge of the foreign telecommunications systems it is involved with. I think that goes without saying."
Huawei is also the world's second largest telecoms equipment maker, making the news even more startling. The company has steadfastly denied being linked to the Chinese government or the military.
Global Cyber Security Officer at Huawei, John Suffolk fought back, calling the comments "tired, unsubstantiated defamatory remarks" and challenged Hayden to present to evidence to the public. "Huawei meets the communication needs of more than a third of the planet and our customers have the right to know what these unsubstantiated concerns are. It's time to put up or shut up."