Romania could exclude Chinese giant Huawei from its future 5G network, according to a joint statement signed by President Klaus Iohannis and his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump, in Washington and published on August 21.
The document, which does not mention Huawei by name, says the two leaders "seek to avoid the security risks that accompany Chinese investment in 5G telecommunications networks."
It was signed during a trip made by Iohannis to Washington on August 21.
Iohannis recently voiced "concerns" regarding Huawei's possible participation in the country's 5G network, and said Romania's Supreme Council of National Defense would discuss it.
The Romanian and U.S. delegations also signed a memorandum of understanding on August 21 establishing the conditions that service providers will have to meet to be part of the network.
Bucharest is preparing to launch a call for tenders for the fifth generation of mobile networks later this year, after it adopted the 5G Strategy For Romania in June, aimed at providing 250,000 jobs and bringing in 4.7 billion euros ($5.2 billion).
Washington is concerned that Huawei will allow China to spy on communications from the countries that use its products and services.