(File photo: VCG)

“Cyber security issues should be judged by facts. The PRISM remains fresh in everyone’s memory. It is not China that eavesdrops and monitors even its own allies on a global scale,” Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Hua Chunying said at a routine press briefing on Thursday.

Hua stressed that Cyber security is a common concern of all countries, no matter European countries or China. 

"As long as we are not prejudiced, constantly enhance mutual trust, and do not politicize normal economic behavior, all parties can properly resolve concerns through equality and friendly consultation. We hope that all parties can truly respect the market principle of fair and free competition, create a fair, just and non-discriminatory market environment for normal cooperation between enterprises, and promote the healthy development of related industries," Hua said.

On February 12, Robert Hannigan, the former head of the UK's GCHQ intelligence arm said “NCSC has never found evidence of malicious Chinese state cyber activity through Huawei” by using an FT guest column. He argues, it is a bad time for Western countries to be shutting out the products and services of an emerging global tech power.