US: No sales of Chinese tech from Huawei, ZTE
WASHINGTON — The U.S. is banning the sale of communications equipment made by Chinese companies Huawei and ZTE and restricting the use of some China-made video surveillance systems, citing an “unacceptable risk” to national security.
The five-member Federal Communications Commission said Friday it has voted unanimously to adopt new rules that will block the importation or sale of certain technology products that pose security risks to U.S. critical infrastructure. It’s the latest in an escalation of U.S. restrictions of Chinese technology that began with President Donald Trump and has continued under President Joe Biden.
“The FCC is committed to protecting our national security by ensuring that untrustworthy communications equipment is not authorized for use within our borders, and we are continuing that work here,” Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, a Democrat, said in a statement.
Huawei declined to comment.
The order also affects products made by companies such as Hikvision and Dahua, makers of widely used video surveillance cameras.
The FCC’s order applies to future authorizations of equipment, though the agency leaves open the possibility it could revoke previous authorizations.
Brendan Carr, a Republican FCC commissioner, said in a tweet that as “a result of our order, no new Huawei or ZTE equipment can be approved. And no new Dahua, Hikvision, or Hytera gear can be approved unless they assure the FCC that their gear won’t be used for public safety, security of government facilities, & other national security purposes.”
Hikvision said in a statement that its video products “present no security threat.”