Google has suspended Huawei's licence to use the Android operating system on the Chinese company's smartphones.

The suspension will see Huawei devices no longer receive updates to the Android operating system and block the usage of applications created by Google including Gmail, YouTube and the Google Play Store, the main application store for the operating system.

In a statement a Google spokesperson said: “We are complying with the order and reviewing the implications. For users of our services, Google Play and the security protections from Google Play Protect will continue to function on existing Huawei devices."

From now on only a basic form of Android which does not include Google apps such as Gmail, Google Maps or Google Photos will be at Huawei's disposal, named Android Open Source Project.

In a statement Huawei said: "Huawei has made substantial contributions to the development and growth of Android around the world. As one of Android’s key global partners, we have worked closely with their open-source platform to develop an ecosystem that has benefited both users and the industry.

"Huawei will continue to provide security updates and after sales services to all existing Huawei and Honor smartphone and tablet products covering those have been sold or still in stock globally.

"We will continue to build a safe and sustainable software ecosystem, in order to provide the best experience for all users globally."