China objects to Australian FM's comments on banning Huawei

Beijing expressed serious concerns on Friday over Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne's recent remarks about banning Huawei from the 5G telecommunications network, urging Canberra not to use excuses to place barriers in the path of Chinese companies.

Speaking at a regular news conference in Beijing, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lu Kang said Australia should facilitate cooperation between Chinese and Australian companies rather than adopting discriminatory measures.

"We urge the Australian side to abandon ideological prejudices and to provide a business environment of fair competition for Chinese companies," Lu said.