The UK needs "to pioneer a new form of security for the cyber age", according to the director of GCHQ.

In a rare speech to the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Singapore, the Director of Cheltenham-based GCHQ, Jeremy Fleming outlined challenges posed by new technology.

Fleming spoke about how new ground is being broken as the UK develops its cyber capabilities and looks to build cyber security processes.

With 5G connectivity coming soon, there has been pressure from the USA over the involvement of Chinese firm Huawei in installing new networks.

Mr Fleming described 5G as one of the most important advances of this era and said it would lead to changes in both technology and the way we think about how our data is used.

The UK has yet to make a decision about 5G security supply chain rules and analysts at GCHQ's Cheltenham base are going to be central to that decision-making process.

"GCHQ is at the heart of the policy consideration underway and we already have a role managing Huawei's presence in our existing networks," Fleming said.

"We think this is probably the toughest oversight regime in the world.

"It's revealed significant problems with their cyber security practice ... which have caused them to commit to a multimillion-pound remedial programme.

"And as I'm sure you will have seen, we've been crystal clear that with Huawei we will not compromise on the improvements we expect.

"But ... and it's an important one ... 5G security is about more than just Huawei ... that's what the three pre-conditions for 5G security are all about.

"China's place in the era of globalised technology is much bigger than just one telecommunications equipment company ... it's a first order strategic challenge."

Fleming also said that strong alliances, connections and collaboration between people and nations will be key.

And he is determined that the UK and GCHQ take the lead, using its role as a "global cyber power.

"Cyber Power is about defending our digital homeland, having the right capabilities to actively protect our interests if we need to," he said.

"It's about having strong alliances. Growing connections. Boosting collaboration. Finding ways to encourage openness and collaboration between people and nations.

"To rewrite the rules of engagement for our digital future. To share ideas and work together for stability and prosperity.

"Cyber Power is also about having the right technical expertise to use cyber power well and having the right legal and ethical base to use it wisely.

"It's also about embracing the unexpected and seeing into the future.

"The UK is a global Cyber Power with the potential to provide leadership in this debate.

"GCHQ is at the heart of that and will make sure the opportunities presented by this cyber future are fully realised."