Ministry: Sweden's move to exclude firms from 5G opposed

China has firmly opposed Sweden's move to exclude enterprises from a specific country from participating in its 5G spectrum auction, and China will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, said the Ministry of Commerce on Thursday.

The comments came after Swedish telecom regulator PTS on Tuesday began auctions of its 5G spectrum. PTS had earlier banned Chinese telecom company Huawei and ZTE's equipment from its 5G networks, citing national security risks, an allegation that has not been backed by factual evidence.

Gao Feng, a spokesman for the Ministry of Commerce, said the move has violated the basic principles of the World Trade Organization and international rules, and it has also damaged the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.

The Chinese side urges the Swedish side to immediately correct the wrong practices to safeguard the overall situation of bilateral economic and trade cooperation, Gao said.

China will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, he added.