I'm right at bottom of this ladder. Asked Huawei customer service for assistance, here is their reply;
Regarding your query, because the device is Chinese, it cannot benefit from the same features as an European one does. For example, Huawei Chinese devices do not have Google Play Store. Customers from China have a special website from where they download third party applications. Also, Chinese devices differ in both software and hardware specifications from the European ones, meaning that updates, boot loader unlock codes and many other features cannot be applied for the Chinese ones. We are sorry for the situation but the handset has been designed for the Chinese market and it cannot be modified.
True or false? Where do I begin please.
What a load of bull****! Doesn't sound like your Huawei Customer Support representative should be working there at all! There are no hardware differences in Chinese Mate 9's. Heck yes it can be modified! Such lousy support makes me feel angry.