By Jemma Buckley Crime Correspondent For The Daily Mail
Published: 00:21 GMT, 25 February 2019 | Updated: 00:26 GMT, 25 February 2019
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The head of GCHQ is to warn that allowing Chinese tech firms involvement in Britain’s 5G telecoms network will pose a threat to national security.
In a rare public speech, Jeremy Fleming will say Chinese companies represent ‘a hugely complex technological challenge’ to the British telecoms sector.
He will also underline the importance of Britain possessing the offensive capability to ‘deny, disrupt or degrade’ in response to cyber attacks.
Mr Fleming’s comments will add to growing concerns over Chinese tech giant Huawei’s involvement in UK telecoms. Last year Alex Younger, head of MI6, expressed similar worries about the security threat posed by the firm.
In a rare public speech, Jeremy Fleming (pictured) will say Chinese companies represent ‘a hugely complex technological challenge’ to the British telecoms sector
In his address to government, military and industry figures from across south-east Asia in Singapore, Mr Fleming will say no decisions have been taken on 5G – with a Government review due in spring.
However, he will say it is essential to understand the potential risks of allowing Chinese firms to get involved.
Super-fast 5G – ‘fifth-generation’ – mobile internet promises download speeds ten to 20 times faster than we have now. A high-definition film could be downloaded in less than a minute.
It is hoped the technology will help create ‘smart cities’ in which driverless cars, traffic lights and other infrastructure can communicate.
Mr Fleming, who has
