Despite past investigations into Huawei’s business practices in the UK, stemming from accusations of Chinese government interference and representing a risk to national security, Britain has moved to encourage investment from the Chinese technology giant.

On a trade mission to China, chancellor George Osborne said Britain would be open to investment.

The Chancellor said during a site trip to Peking University: “One of my tasks this week is to explain to the British people just how far China has come, how sophisticated your businesses are, and how advanced you are in the fields of high tech and science.”

He added, “There are some Western governments that have blocked Huawei from making investments. Not Britain. Quite the opposite. That is why I was pleased to welcome Huawei’s opening of a flagship office in our country in June, and of £1.3bn of investment that came with it.”

Huawei had been previously investigated by a Parliamentary committee for its role in the UK’s telecoms infrastructure due to its partnership with BT.

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