WASHINGTON (BLOOMBERG) - US pressure on Huawei Technologies Co increased as senators voted to cite the Chinese telecommunications gear-maker as a security risk ahead of this week's meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on a voice vote, passed a resolution on Tuesday (June 25) designating Huawei and fellow Chinese equipment maker ZTE Corp as a threat to the national security of the US and its allies.

The measure, which moves on for further votes, called for more pressure for allies to shun the companies' network equipment.

"Huawei and ZTE telecommunications products are not safe for the US or any of our allies around the globe," said resolution sponsor Cory Gardner, a Colorado Republican and member of the Foreign Relations panel.

"It is my hope all of our allies in Europe and around the globe hear us loud and clear."

Germany and other countries "against the strong advice of the United States" have indicated they may let Huawei build out advanced 5G wireless networks, according to the resolution.

Germany has resisted US attempts to persuade it to blackball Huawei and instead plans stringent testing and oversight for all vendors.

'NECESSARY MEASURES'

The Senate resolution said the US "will consider all necessary measures" to limit risks of the US government or military using networks "compromised" by Huawei or ZTE gear.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said use of the Chinese manufacturers could jeopardise intelligence-sharing arrangements.

US officials say Chinese communications equipment might be used for spying. Huawei has vigorously denied such allegations, and ZTE provided security guarantees last year after Mr Trump lifted penalties imposed over accusations of sanctions violations.

Mr Trump has said Huawei could be part of discussions with Mr Xi at the G-20 summit that begins in Osaka on June 28.

The countries are embroiled in a trade dispute, and Mr Trump in a June 18 tweet said there will be an "extended meeting" without offering details.

Legislators have called for a firm hand. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer earlier said Mr Trump "needs to make it crystal clear to China that the United States takes this threat seriously and not use our national security as a bargaining chip".

Senators Marco Rubio and Mr Mark Warner - both members of the Intelligence Committee - this month sent a letter to Mr Pompeo and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, warning them against using Huawei as a bargaining chip.

The Commerce Department last month put Huawei and more than 60 of its subsidiaries on its entity list, meaning American companies have to obtain a special licence to sell components to the Shenzhen-based company - and requests for such licences are seldom approved.

Mr Trump has also signed an executive order restricting Huawei's presence in US networks.