Spain’s decision to bring Huawei into a multimillion-euro deal has caused a political storm, often referred to as the Spain-Huawei deal. The agreement allows the Chinese tech giant to manage sensitive judicial data, including wiretaps. While Spain’s government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has remained quiet, U.S. officials and lawmakers are furious. Washington views Huawei as an arm of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and a possible tool for espionage. The deal has now escalated into an international dispute, with calls for investigation and threats to intelligence-sharing agreements.
What’s Happening & Why This Matters
A Controversial Partnership
The Spanish government has contracted Huawei to oversee and store sensitive judicial data. This includes wiretaps that could expose criminal investigations, government activities, and cross-border intelligence work. Critics argue that the Spain-Huawei deal gives China unprecedented access to Europe’s judicial system.
The Trump administration has warned that the deal could damage intelligence cooperation between Spain and the United States. Washington insists Huawei is not just a private firm but one deeply linked to the Chinese government.
U.S. Lawmakers Sound the Alarm
Two U.S. congressmen, Richard Hudson and Gus Bilirakis, have demanded an investigation. In a letter to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, they argue the Spain-Huawei deal jeopardises U.S. digital security, privacy, and economic interests. They point out that American companies face strict EU privacy rules, while Spain is letting sensitive data flow directly to Beijing.
Their concerns tie back to earlier actions. In 2019, President Trump banned Huawei and ZTE from U.S. telecom infrastructure, citing national security threats. Lawmakers now fear Spain’s move weakens Western resistance to Chinese surveillance tactics. The controversy surrounding the Spain-Huawei deal adds to this apprehension.
Europe’s Concerns and a Diplomatic Rift
It’s not just the United States pushing back. The European Commission has previously warned EU member states about Huawei. In 2023, the Commission noted that excluding Huawei and ZTE from 5G networks would be justified since they pose “higher risks than other 5G suppliers.” That warning underscores the tension between technological reliance and national security.
At the heart of the controversy is a trust deficit. The U.S. argues that China’s data laws compel Huawei to hand over any information the government requests. By allowing Huawei into its judicial systems, Spain is exposing itself — and potentially its allies — to surveillance risks.
Meanwhile, Spain has mainly stayed silent, resisting public debate over the deal. The plan suggests Madrid is prioritising cost and technical capacity over U.S. security concerns. But silence may not calm the storm, as both Washington and Brussels increase pressure.
TF Summary: What’s Next
Spain’s contract with Huawei is more than a business decision; it’s a geopolitical gamble. By choosing a company closely tied to Beijing, Spain risks straining its relationship with the United States and potentially undermining EU-wide efforts to safeguard data from foreign control. If Washington escalates, Spain faces trade and intelligence consequences.
The guiding principle in today’s world, data is power. Countries must consider affordability and infrastructure needs. There are risks in handing sensitive systems to companies linked to rival governments. The debate over the Spain-Huawei deal in Spain is not ending soon — it’s part of the power struggle between the West and China over control of critical technologies.
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