WASHINGTON-Huawei Technologies is reportedly suspected of violating U.N. sanctions by supplying Iraq with fiber optic cable to improve its air defense capability.
The Washington Post, citing Western and Asian sources, said Western officials have asked Beijing to investigate whether Huawei was the supplier of fiber-optic cable that U.S. and British militaries targeted in bombings last month. China indicated it might conduct such a probe.
If verified, the Huawei-Iraqi connection could have broad implications for a U.S.-China trade relationship. The alleged involvement of Huawei with Iraq comes at a time when China-whose human rights record is already under close scrutiny-seeks international approval to enter the World Trade Organization (WTO) and to host the 2008 Summer Olympics.
The Chinese Embassy did not return a call for comment, and the State Department said it had no information to offer on the Post story. Global Wireless was unable to contact Huawei for comment. The Post said Huawei refused its request for an interview.
