US Nears Ban on Chinese Telecom Equipment... Existing Devices May Also Be Removed

FCC Proposes Nationwide Ban on New Approvals of Chinese Equipment
Existing Approvals May Also Be Revoked
Possible Phase-Out of Chinese Equipment Upon Final Approval

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The United States is pushing for a complete ban on the approval of Chinese-made telecommunications equipment such as Huawei and ZTE in its domestic communication networks.

On the 17th (local time), the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted unanimously 4-0 to approve a proposal to ban the use of Chinese-made telecommunications and video surveillance equipment, including Huawei and ZTE.

The FCC plans to finalize this measure through a final vote after a period of public consultation. If implemented, all FCC approvals for Chinese-made telecommunications equipment deemed a threat to U.S. security will be prohibited. The targets include five Chinese companies?Huawei, ZTE, Hytera, Hikvision, and Dahua?that the FCC designated as national security threats in March.

In addition to new approvals, the FCC may also revoke existing approvals retroactively, potentially leading to the removal of Chinese equipment from U.S. communication networks depending on the FCC’s determination. There are concerns that this move could increase the burden on allied countries such as South Korea that use Chinese telecommunications equipment.

Jessica Rosenworcel, Acting Chairwoman of the FCC, stated, "This measure will exclude untrustworthy equipment from our communication networks," adding, "There were still opportunities for (Huawei and other Chinese companies) to operate in the U.S., but we are proposing to close that door."

She further emphasized the importance of this measure by saying, "Unsafe equipment can introduce viruses and malware through 5G networks, leading to personal information leaks, intellectual property theft, and even surveillance of governments and corporations."

Information and communication media outlet ZDNet evaluated this measure as the U.S. government’s latest attempt to exclude Chinese equipment from 5G networks. Following the administration of former President Donald Trump, the Joe Biden administration has continued its crackdown on Chinese telecommunications equipment. Last year, the FCC also designated Huawei and ZTE as national security threats, preventing U.S. companies purchasing equipment from these firms from accessing $8.3 billion in federal government funds.

Huawei expressed regret, stating, "This measure is discriminatory and will not help protect the integrity of the U.S. communication networks and supply chains." The vote saw bipartisan support from both Democratic and Republican commissioners. This reflects the bipartisan anti-China stance spreading throughout U.S. politics once again.