New York (CNN Business) China's Huawei is growing its presence in Canada, despite intense pressure on the company from the United States and geopolitical tensions between Ottawa and Beijing.

The phone and telecom equipment maker said Thursday that it will add 200 new research and development jobs in Canada, a 20% increase. It will also up its research and development spending there by 15%.

"We are grateful to have the opportunity to work in Canada — a country with one of the most innovative technology communities in the world," said Eric Li, president of Huawei Technologies Canada, in a statement.

The decision comes as the United States tries to persuade its allies to shut out Huawei products from next-generation 5G wireless networks.

US authorities claim that the Chinese government could use Huawei equipment to spy on other nations. Huawei denies that any of its products pose a national security risk. It says it would refuse any request from Beijing to conduct espionage.

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