China conveys serious concerns to Europe over curbs on telecom equipment

China has raised serious concerns with certain European Union member states over moves to ban telecom equipment supplied by Chinese companies, urging them to uphold "technological neutrality", the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

"We firmly oppose politicizing technical issues and engaging in excessive securitization," ministry spokesman He Yadong told a news conference in Beijing.

His comments came as Germany announced plans to classify 5G base stations as critical network components, potentially paving the way for bans on Chinese equipment, according to German business daily Handelsblatt.

Portugal, meanwhile, has renewed restrictions on "high-risk" 5G suppliers following a new security review, maintaining measures that effectively exclude Chinese telecom giant Huawei, Portuguese business news outlet ECO reported.

He said China had conveyed its concerns to the relevant governments, adding that 5G is vital infrastructure for the global digital economy. Its development and operation should follow market principles, uphold technological neutrality and comply with international rules, he added.

"We hope the countries concerned will promptly correct their misguided practices and provide a fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies," he said.