West News Wire: Due to “an intolerable risk” to US national security, Washington has prohibited the import and sale of new telecoms equipment from the biggest manufacturers in China.
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) said in a statement on Friday that the ban applies to technological products produced by Chinese telecom giants Huawei and ZTE, as well as Dahua Technology, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology, and Hytera Communications, as well as those produced by their subsidiaries and affiliates.
“The FCC is committed to safeguarding our national security and is continuing its efforts here to ensure that unreliable communications equipment is not permitted for use within our borders. As part of our continuous efforts to safeguard the American people from national security threats, these new regulations are crucial.
The agency noted that the new regulation applies to future approvals of equipment imports and sales. However, it also stated it could revoke previously granted approvals.
All five Chinese companies were added to the FCC’s so-called “covered list” in March this year with the purpose of restricting their access to the US market. The FCC said at the time the firms could be used by Beijing to spy on US citizens.
Huawei has so far declined to comment on the ban, while ZTE, Dahua, Hytera, and the Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to media requests for comment. However, earlier this year, the Chinese embassy accused the FCC of “abusing state power” and “maliciously attacking” Chinese telecom companies.
