Huawei Technologies Co has secured an extension to a patent licensing deal with Nokia, an agreement which the Chinese Company said shows that it continues to lead in networking technology despite years of punishing US sanctions.

The announcement indicates appetite for access to Huawei’s next-generation telecom patents remains strong, despite US accusations the Chinese giant poses a threat to national security, said the company in a press release.

Huawei didn’t disclose details of the deal, saying the terms are confidential.

The company is trying to open up new markets and businesses after US tech export restrictions gutted its smartphone business and curtailed the sale of advanced gear in developed markets. In response, it has begun levying royalties from the world’s biggest smartphone brands, including Apple Inc and Samsung Electronics Co, after first announcing plans to broaden its licensing business from 2021.

Huawei has signed more than 20 patent license agreements this year, covering smartphones, connected vehicles, networking and the Internet of Things, according to Alan Fan, the company’s global head of IP.

“In the automotive industry alone, we reached deals with around 15 car makers for use of our advanced wireless technologies, including well-known names such as Audi, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Porsche, Renault, Suzuki, Lamborghini, Subaru and Bentley,” he said.

Intellectual property collaborations are among the few areas Huawei can still make significant headway in developed markets like Europe.

Huawei remains the biggest holder of patents in ultra-fast broadband technology, fast becoming the mainstream for mobile users around the world. It’s also seeking alternative sources of income by selling artificial intelligence and wireless communications gear to less-traditional customers from automakers to coal mines and industrial parks.