Trump plays good cop on Huawei after Pompeo’s European threats

President Donald Trump adopted a conciliatory tone this week toward Europes approach to Huawei Technologies Co, the Chinese telecom giant the United States (US) has demanded its allies abandon over security concerns.

The Trump administration has engaged in a combative global campaign for months to keep Huawei products out of future 5G broadband networks, including threats to curb intelligence-sharing with allies if they do not comply. The US alleges that China could use Huawei equipment for spying, a charge the company’s executives have repeatedly denied.

Trump had the opportunity during meetings with leaders of the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland this week to badger them about Huawei and amplify his administrations threats. He has, instead, taken a more cooperative approach.