Huawei. Photo: VCG

China's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday called on Canada to be objective and fair in its decision on whether allow Chinese telecom giant Huawei to participate in its domestic 5G development. 

Canada should uphold an objective and fair attitude and make independent choices that are in line with its own interests, Zhao Lijian, a spokesperson for the ministry, told a press briefing in Beijing, when asked about Canada's upcoming decision.

Zhao said that the essence of economic and trade cooperation between China and Canada is mutually beneficial, and that the advancement and safety of Huawei's 5G products have been recognized by most operators around the world.

The spokesperson also urged Canada to provide a fair, open and non-discriminatory business environment to Chinese companies.

Previously, Chinese experts told the Global Times that Canada has "fewer reasons" to force out Huawei from its 5G network after the release of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou, but pressure from the US will likely complicate things.

Whether or not to allow Huawei to join Canada's 5G networks has risen to become a new focus of public attention after Meng, who was illegally detained by Canadian authorities at the behest of the US government for over 1,000 days, returned to China in late September.