Washington/Beijing  | The US State Department has ramped up its warnings over the potential misuse of China's 5G technology to tap into national security data among allies, including Australia, after former prime minister Paul Keating called for the sacking of “nutter” spy chiefs to fix relations with Beijing.

A spokesperson for US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Tuesday (AEST) that the use of Chinese telecommunications equipment in 5G networks could leave sensitive data open to Chinese government access.