NEW YORK, (Reuters) – China’s Huawei Technologies Co has challenged the United States to launch a formal investigation into its business, in an attempt by one of the world’s largest telecommunications equipment makers to clear its name from allegations that have blocked U.S. deals.
The highly unusual call follows the outcome of a recent U.S. government foreign investment review that is forcing Huawei to sell assets it bought from 3Leaf, a small U.S. company. Three years ago, Huawei had to pull back from a bigger proposed investment in 3Com, in similar circumstances.
The company said it has been the victim of misperceptions about its relationship with the Chinese military because its founder, Ren Zhengfei, served in the People’s Liberation Army until 1983.
