BANGKOK, July 2 -- A US judge has ruled that China's Huawei Technologies, a leading telecoms equipment company, must face criminal charges in a wide reaching case alleging it stole technology and engaged in racketeering, wire and bank fraud and other crimes.

US District Judge Ann Donnelly on Tuesday rejected Huawei's request to dismiss the allegations in a 16-count federal indictment against the company, saying in a 52-page ruling that its arguments were premature, reports AP.

The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The US accuses Huawei and some of its subsidiaries of plotting to steal US trade secrets, installing surveillance equipment that enabled Iran to spy on protesters during 2009 anti-government demons...