Well, that's certainly putting it bluntly – particularly for a traditionally discreet Australian intelligence outfit. The speech by Mike Burgess, director-general of the Australian Signals Directorate, reflects a decision for the agency to emerge "from the shadows" and outline its role in crucial areas like cyber security. But it will also shine a harsh light on the delicate state of Chinese Australian relations.

The Burgess explanation of why "high-risk vendors" participating in 5G would threaten Australia's national interest and critical infrastructure networks is the most directly expressed justification of the Turnbull government's August decision to ban Chinese telco suppliers, Huawei and ZTE.