Russia criticises US on action against Huawei on 5G

Russia on Thursday criticised the US for its punitive action against Chinese telecom giant Huawei's 5G services, calling it "unfair" and "inappropriate".

The US has banned Huawei, the world leader in telecom equipment and the number two smartphone producer, over concerns of security and Washington has been pressuring other countries to restrict the operations of the Chinese telecom firm.

"We are against unfair means of competition. What the US is doing (against Huawei) is inappropriate," newly-appointed Deputy Chief at the Russian embassy Roman Babushkin said during a media briefing.

Babushkin and his counterparts from Brazil and China were addressing the press about the upcoming BRICS summit in Brazil.

In a clear reference to the US, Babushkin also said that the issues of unilateral sanctions as well as issues relating to trade disputes will be an important topic of discussions at the BRICS meet.

China, a key member of BRICS, is engaged in a fierce tariff dispute with the US.

"We are for rules-based order. Unilateral sanctions are creating lot of impediaments," Babushkin said.

He also said enhancing counter terrorism, finding a common approach towards key issues confronting the World Trade Organisation, reform in key multilateral organisations and reviewing situation in Afghanistan will be key focus areas at the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) summit in Brazil in November.

Last year, the US had imposed sanctions on Russia under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

There has been considerable concerns in India over the sanctions as they are creating hurdles for military purchases from Russia.

Babushkin's comments on Huawei came as India is in the process of taking a call on whether to allow participation of the Chinese company in the 5G trials.

The government has sought opinion of ministries concerned and a number of them, including the Ministry of External Affairs, have put across their views on the matter.

Addressing the press conference, the Deputy Chief of Mission in the Chinese embassy said all the five BRICS nations are facing the common task of developing their economies and the bloc will deal with the challenges unitedly.

Babushkin said the BRICS leaders will also deliberate on the evolving situation in Afghanistan and added that the bloc will try to find common grounds on it.

He said all the BRICS is working on a mechanism to facilitate use of local currencies for trade among the member countries.

Breno Herman, Deputy Chief of Mission in Brazilian Embassy said the upcoming BRICS summit will also focus several key areas for deeper engagement which will include technological innovation.