NZ bars Chinese firm on national security fears

While Malta is still in deep association with Chinese giant Huawei, New Zealand has become the latest country to block a proposal to use telecoms equipment made by China’s Huawei because of national security concerns.

Spark New Zealand wanted to use Huawei equipment in its 5G mobile network.

However, a NZ government security agency said the deal would bring significant risks to national security.

The move is part of a growing push against the involvement of Chinese technology firms on security grounds.

5G networks are being built in sever- al countries and will form the next significant wave of mobile infrastructure.

Huawei, the world's biggest producer of telecoms equipment, has faced resistance from foreign governments over the risk that its technology could be used for espionage.