The U.K. says Chinese telecom company Huawei can help build part of its 5G network.
But Huawei's role will be limited because it's considered a "high risk vendor." According to a statement, the company won't be allowed to work on any "critical" or "sensitive" parts of the next-generation network, including around military bases and nuclear sites.
Huawei can also only supply 35% of the equipment in non-sensitive parts of the network. One of Huawei's chief security officers called that cap a "very significant limitation."
Officials within the Trump administration told multiple outlets that it's "disappointed" by the U.K.'s decision. The U.S. has long believed Huawei devices pose a national security threat. It's pressured its allies to move away from working with the company.
But U.K. cybersecurity officials pushed back against a ban of Huawei equipment in 2019, arguing any risk it posed could be mitigated.
Huawei has repeatedly denied that its products pose a national security threat, calling U.S. claims "unsubstantiated."
Contains footage from CNN.
