1987
Huawei founded by Ren Zhengfei, a former army engineer
1998
Skycom established as agent for Huawei products
July 2007
An individual identified by a DoJ indictment as “the founder” of Huawei tells the FBI that Huawei was not in violation of US export sanctions against Iran. The indictment was published on January 28 2019
October 2012
A US congressional panel warns that Huawei and ZTE pose a security threat to the US
2012-2013
News reports claim Huawei owned and operated Skycom, which Huawei denied
2013
Huawei China launches a bonus programme that rewards Huawei employees who pass on confidential information taken from competitors, according to the indictment
August 2013
Meng Wanzhou, daughter of founder Mr Ren, tells an unidentified financial institution that Huawei operates in Iran in compliance with UN, US and EU laws, according to the DoJ indictment
2012-2013
News reports say Huawei operates Skycom as an unofficial affiliate in Iran; Ms Meng is on the board. According to the indictment, Ms Meng and other employees lie to banks about the relationship between Huawei and Skycom
June 2018
The US refuses to renew the export licence of Futurewei, Huawei’s Silicon Valley research and development unit
June 2018
Huawei overtakes Apple to become the world’s second-biggest seller of smartphones
August 22 2018
A New York court issues a warrant for the arrest of Ms Meng, Huawei’s chief financial officer
December 1
Canadian authorities arrest Ms Meng at Vancouver airport while she is en route to Mexico, following an extradition request from the US
December 10
Chinese authorities arrest two Canadians, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor
December 11
Ms Meng is released on $10m bail
January 28 2019
The US justice department releases an indictment detailing alleged technology theft, sanctions breaches, lies to banks and conspiracy. The DoJ presses for the extradition of Meng to the US. Huawei denies the allegations and the Chinese government dismisses the claims as a misuse of state power