Trump to ban Chinese ‘spy’ telecoms in new trade row

DONALD Trump is set to sign a ‘national emergency’ executive order banning American companies from using telecoms equipment made by Chinese companies Huawei and ZTE.

Mr Trump could sign it as soon as next month in the latest escalation in the trade war between the United States and China.

Security services around the world, including MI6 in Britain, have warned that Chinese-made phones and equipment could be used for spying, or sabotage, by the Communist government in Beijing.

Huawei has reportedly circumvented sanctions imposed on North Korea and Iran by giving them spying equipment.

Britain has banned ZTE, but is yet to make a decision on Huawei, which is popular – thanks to its cheap smartphones.

Mr Trump’s executive order will direct the US Commerce Department to block American companies from using foreign telecoms makers for work which poses a significant national security risk.

Tensions between Washington and Beijing flared up this month over the arrest of a Huawei executive in Canada on US charges regarding violating sanctions.

The White House has yet to comment on the reports.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said that Mr Trump was acting ‘without evidence’. She added: ‘It’s best to let facts speak for themselves.’

A spokesperson for Huawei said: ‘Cybersecurity is Huawei’s number one priority, and an area in which we are investing heavily.

‘We fully agree with the need to ensure the security and integrity of national networks.’