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WELLINGTON (AFP) – The first New Zealand telecom operator, Spark, said on Wednesday (November 28th) that the country's intelligence services were barring it from using equipment provided by Chinese Huawei on its 5G network because it posed "significant risks to national security".
The move follows reports that the US is urging its allies to exclude the Chinese telecoms giant from deploying 5G instead of cybersecurity fears.
Spark said in a statement that it was legally required to inform the Government Communications Security Office (GCSB) of its 5G plans.
GCSB Chief Andrew Hampton had expressed concerns about the use of Huawei's Radio Access Network (RAN) in the new network and had refused the proposed deployment.
"The general manager informed Spark today that he felt that Spark's proposal to use Huawei 5G equipment in the RAN 5G planned by Spark would create, if it were implemented, risks important for national security, "said Spark.
The cabinet described the decision as "disappointing" and announced that it would decide what to do next after reviewing the detailed reasoning behind Hampton's conclusion.
Its 5G network was still to be completed by July 2020.
Mr Hampton confirmed the announcement of Spark in a brief statement.
"The GCSB, under its (legislative) responsibilities, recently undertook the assessment of a Spark notification." I informed Spark that a significant risk to network security had been identified ", did he declare.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang expressed "deep concern" about the ban.
"The Chinese government encourages Chinese companies to follow market principles and international regulations and to develop economic partnerships abroad on the basis of respect for local laws," he said.
"Economic and trade partnerships between China and New Zealand are mutually beneficial, we hope that New Zealand will provide a level playing field for all Chinese companies operating in New Zealand and do more to foster mutual trust and partnerships . "
Huawei – one of the world's largest suppliers of telecommunications equipment and services – has been scrutinized in some countries, including the United States and Australia, for its alleged links with Beijing authorities.
China has long disputed charges of security risks and links with Chinese intelligence.
New Zealand is a member of the Five Eyes Intelligence Alliance, which also includes the United States, Great Britain, Canada and Australia.
China is one of its major trading partners, but Wellington is increasingly concerned about Beijing's influence in the Pacific.
In response, New Zealand has stepped up its aid program in the Pacific to strengthen its presence in a region that it sees as its own sphere of influence.
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