Assistant US Attorney Alex Solomon said at a hearing in federal court in Brooklyn that the evidence, obtained under the US Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), would require classified handling.

The government notified Huawei in a court filing of its intent to use the information, saying it was "obtained or derived from electronic surveillance and physical search", but gave no details.

The United States has been pressuring other countries to drop Huawei from their cellular networks, worried its equipment could be used by Beijing for spying but has so far refused to provide any evidence.

The company says the concerns are unfounded. Brian Frey, a former federal prosecutor who is not involved in the Huawei case, said FISA surveillance, which requires a warrant from a special court, is sought in connection with suspected espionage.