Huwawei among Chinese companies listed as posing a threat to US national security

U.S. regulators have ranked Huawei among Chinese telecommunications equipment companies considered a threat to national security, signaling that hope for a loosening of relations is not in the cards.

A list of communications companies considered to pose “an unacceptable risk” to national security included Huawei Technologies; ZTE; Hytera Communications; Hangzhou Hikvision digital technology and Dahua technology.

“This list is a big step forward in restoring confidence in our communications networks,” said Acting Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission Jessica Rosenworcel.

“This list provides useful tips that will ensure that, as next-generation networks are built across the country, they won’t repeat the mistakes of the past and won’t use any equipment or services that pose a threat.” for American national security or the safety and security of the Americans. “

The five Chinese companies that provide communications equipment or services were on a list compiled by the FCC and the Homeland Security Bureau under US law.

READ MORE:
What is really behind the arrest of Huawei CFO?

A call for a reset of the links

Huawei chief and founder Ren Zhengfei called last month for a reset with the United States under President Joe Biden, after the company was battered by sanctions imposed by the Donald Trump administration.

During her first appearance before reporters in a year, Ren Zhengfei said that “her confidence in Huawei’s ability to survive has increased” despite her struggles in much of the Western world where she is decried as a potential threat to the world. security.

The comments came as the company grappled with rules that effectively prohibited U.S. companies from selling technologies such as semiconductors and other critical components, citing national security concerns.

Insisting that Huawei remains strong and ready to buy American companies, Ren called on the White House Biden for a “mutually beneficial” change of course that could restore its access to goods.

Continuing to do so, he warned, would hurt US suppliers.

Increase in penalties

Founded by Ren in 1987, Huawei has largely flown under the global radar for decades, becoming the world’s largest manufacturer of telecommunications equipment and a leading producer of mobile phones.

That changed under former President Donald Trump, who targeted the company as part of increased trade and technology between China and the United States.

Trump from 2018 imposed escalating sanctions to cut Huawei’s access to components and ban it from the U.S. market, while successfully pressuring allies to avoid company equipment in their areas. telecommunications systems.

Ren also faced the December 2018 arrest of his daughter, Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, on a US arrest warrant during a layover in Vancouver.

Meng, 49, faces fraud and conspiracy charges in the United States for alleged violations by Huawei of US sanctions against Iran and separate charges of theft of trade secrets.

READ MORE: Huawei founder says US is ‘underestimating’ his business

Source: AFP