Kurz told a news conference in Vienna that the most important issues with regard to the expansion of the 5G network were ensuring security and preventing an unilateral dependence on a supplier.

"We want to be technology-neutral and at the same time guarantee maximum safety," Kurz said when asked about the government's stance regarding the Chinese supplier, adding: "We are in close coordination with our European partners and also with the European Commission."

(Reporting by Kirsti Knolle, editing by Emma Thomasson)