China’s grave concern at decision to ban companies from participating in Australia’s 5G network

China is “gravely concerned” at the government’s decision to effectively ban Chinese companies from participating in our 5G network.

Huawei Australia CEO George Huang at the National Press Club in Canberra. Picture: Kym Smith

The Chinese government was “gravely concerned” at the federal government’s decision to effectively ban Chinese companies from participating in Australia’s 5G network,

a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said tonight.

Answering questions from The Australian newspaper, the spokesman called on the federal government not to create “artificial obstacles” in proposed ties between Australian and Chinese companies.

He said that the Chinese government wanted its companies to co-operate with foreign companies around the world on the condition of respecting local laws.

The spokesman said co-operation between Chinese companies and foreign companies was beneficial to both Chinese and local companies as well as Australian consumers.

He said the Australian government should help to “provide convenience” to co-operation between Australia and Chinese companies and not “create artificial obstacles.”

“The Australian government should not find excuses to set up such obstacles,” he said

The spokesman did not comment on questions from the Australian on whether the decision would further damage Australian-Chinese relations.

The comments were made on the announcement by the federal government this morning which effectively banned Chinese companies from participating in the 5G network.

While the statement did not specifically name any Chinese companies, it make references to companies which would “likely to be subject to extrajudicial directions from a foreign government that could conflict with Australian law.”

The decision is a blow to Huawei which supplies 4G equipment to Vodafone, Optus and TPG and was hoping to supply 5G equipment to the companies.