Taiwan reinforces five-year-old ban on Huawei, ZTE network equipment

On Monday, legislators called for extending a ban on Huawei to the financial industry.

Taiwan is reinforcing its five-year-old ban on network equipment produced by Chinese companies Huawei and ZTE amid security concerns.

Officials sought over the weekend to reassure lawmakers and the public that such measures have been effective and the threat to the communications sector is minimal.

Huawei has established a presence in Taiwan, with its handsets among the top sellers. The company also sponsors a Christmas extravaganza in a Taipei suburb that features a giant Santa emblazoned with Huawei's logo.

While several countries have similar bans in place, the risk for Taiwan is potentially greater since China claims the island as its own territory and threatens to use military force to bring it under its control.

On Monday, legislators called for extending a ban on Huawei to the financial industry.

(With inputs from agencies.)