Trump administration put Canada in a 'very difficult situation,' Huawei VP says

Almost two years after Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou was arrested in Vancouver at the request of U.S. authorities, the Chinese tech giant says it acknowledges Canada is under pressure from its southern neighbour to ban Huawei from its involvement in Canada's 5G networks.

"We know the Trump administration put Canada in a very difficult situation," said Steve Liu, vice-president of public affairs and communications at Huawei Technologies.

Meng was arrested on Dec. 1, 2018 following an extradition request from U.S. officials, who allege she violated sanctions on doing business with Iran. Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor were detained in China days after herarrest. Chinese prosecutors charged both men with spying earlier this year.

Testimony for the executive's extradition hearing resumed in Vancouver this month and is set to continue next week.

In an interview airing Sunday on Rosemary Barton Live, Liu said the tech company respects "the rule of law in Canada."

Liu said he understood that the families ofKovrigand Spavorare hopeful for their returnbut added the same could be said of China's desire to see Meng released.

WATCH:Does Huawei want a clear answer from Canada on 5G?

Does Huawei want a clear answer from Canada on 5G?

4 years ago

Duration 5:24

Huawei Vice-President Steve Liu blames political pressure from the U.S. for delaying Ottawa's decision on whether to allow the company to participate in building Canada's 5G network.

Canada yet to make call on Huawei tech

Canada is the only member of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network yet to rule on whether Huawei equipment should be used in its 5G wireless networks. The U.K., New Zealand and Australia have followed thelead of the United States to block the use of the company's technology over security concerns.

On Wednesday, a Conservative motion passed in Parliament calling on thegovernment to make a decision within the next 30 days. The Liberal government previously said it would postpone the decision until after the 2019federal election.

Liu said the company is prepared to honourthe government's final verdict.

"If the decision is based on evidence, based on technology and based on cyber security, we will respect [it]," he said.

As for whether he thinks the U.S. will press on withextradition proceedingsunder president-elect Joe Biden, Liu said he only hoped the incoming administration would proceed after careful consideration of the evidence, truth and facts.