Oxford University has reportedly suspended all funding and sponsorship from Huawei amid growing security concerns.
In an email sent to computer science doctoral students, seen by the South China Morning Post, the university said its Committee to Review Donations made the decision block Huawei funding temporarily.
"The committee met last week and have decided to suspend Huawei as an approved gift donor/research sponsor," it said. "This decision will be revisited by the committee in 3-6 months and does not impact existing donations or research projects which have already been agreed and signed, and are in progress."
It's unclear if the email has been sent to students from other departments; IT Pro has contacted the University for comment, but there isn't an official statement at this time. Despite the ban, the university isn't stopping students from contacting the Chinese firm.
"If you are in contact with anyone from Huawei, do note that this decision doesn't prevent you from maintaining a relationship with them but we would recommend that no confidential or proprietary information is discussed," it said.
This is the latest action taken against Huawei, following on from repeated investigations and condemnation from the US over the company's ties with the Chinese government. It is believed that Huawei's telecoms technology could be used for espionage.
Germany is reportedly the latest nation to consider blocking Huawei from building into its next-generation mobile phone networks, according to the BBC. Berlin is said to be exploring stricter security requirements to stop the Chinese company's products being used in its 5G networks.
This follows on from authorities in the US, Australia and New Zealand all banning local firms from using Huawei to provide the technology for 5G mobile networks. Canada is also reportedly looking at bans for Huawei and is currently detaining the company's CFO Meng Wenzhou - on the request of the US - for misleading banks over its business with Iran.
At a news conference in Ottawa, Chinese ambassador Lu Shaye warned that there would be "repercussions" if Canada also banned the supply of Huawei's technology, according to Reuters.
"If the Canadian government does ban Huawei from participating in the 5G network, then as for what kind of repercussion there will be, I'm not sure, but I believe there will be repercussions," Lu said. He urged Ottawa to "make a wise decision on this issue".
