Australia bans Chinese tech companies over espionage fears

Australia has banned Chinese telecommunication companies from participating in the rollout of a new broadband network, in the latest demonstration of western concern about Chinese espionage.

Australia, one of the United States’ four closest allies for intelligence-sharing, barred any company “likely subject to extrajudicial directions from a foreign government” from participating in the burgeoning 5G network — the cutting edge of wireless technology. The decision drew charges of discrimination from China and applause from U.S. lawmakers who worry that the same Chinese tech companies could undermine U.S. national security.