Did the sanctions be lifted?
So directly prohibit Huawei from using Android because it is open.
And even if the Google Play Store is no longer available, there are enough other "stores" to switch to.
APK-Pure is for example. A very good one, which usually also provides international updates for apps earlier in Germany than the original Google Store.
No the sanctions have not been lifted. Huawei only stays afloat with special permits.
Finds quite funny anyway, as many complain that some devices from Huawei no longer support google (Playstore) and therefore do not get the respective device…
As you wrote, there are umpteen alternatives ^^ But no, because of the little thing, an "elephant" is made of it.
This is probably because Otto normal consumers have no idea what exactly a "smartphone" is and what you can do with it.
All cell phones should come without G-Apps and you should be able to decide for yourself what you want to have on bloatware.