Deutsche Bahn is in focus because of Huawei technology

The use of Huawei components in Deutsche Bahn’s IT infrastructure has become part of a heated debate about Germany’s dependence on China for critical infrastructure. Many politicians from across parties criticize the risks and demand consequences.

Criticism of Huawei components in railway infrastructure

There is a debate in Germany about a possible ban on IT components coming from China. The focus is now on Deutsche Bahn, which is using technology from Chinese company Huawei. Politicians from across parties express concern that the railways have yet to take any action despite long-standing safety concerns. Konstantin von Notz, deputy leader of the Green Party, criticized the short-sightedness of such business decisions, calling them “fatal” in Handelsblatt.

Politicians are demanding consequences

Roderich Kieswetter, spokesman for the CDU’s security policy, calls the use of Huawei components a “mistake and negligence” and calls for the entire Huawei railway infrastructure to be replaced. “Any critical infrastructure in Germany should not depend too heavily on individual manufacturers, especially from countries with political influence,” stresses Social Democratic Party digital politician Jens Zimmermann.

Dependence on China as a danger

Maximilian Funke Kaiser, digital politician of the Free Democratic Party, also sees reliance on components from China as a “risk that is difficult to justify.” Kieswetter emphasizes this again and warns: “We are very vulnerable in digital infrastructure because of these components from Huawei, ZTE and others, which is why Chinese components in general should be excluded from critical infrastructure.”