Biden Nominates Prosecutor Who Handled Huawei Case as Deputy Secretary of Commerce

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Thea Kendler, a prosecutor who served as the courtroom attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice in the criminal case involving Meng Wanzhou, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Vice Chairwoman of the Chinese telecommunications equipment company Huawei Group, is reportedly set to be nominated as the Deputy Secretary of Commerce overseeing China affairs.

According to major foreign media, on the 28th (local time), U.S. President Joe Biden is expected to nominate Prosecutor Kendler as the Deputy Secretary of Commerce in charge of export operations.

After Senate confirmation, Kendler is expected to work under Alan Estevez, who has been nominated as the Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security.

The Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security plays a key role in the 'technology war' with China.

Previously, Prosecutor Kendler handled trial attorney duties for major criminal cases in the 'Anti-Intelligence Export Control Division' under the National Security Division of the U.S. Department of Justice.

He also took charge of the case involving Huawei Vice Chairwoman Meng Wanzhou, who was arrested at Vancouver Airport in Canada in December 2018 on charges of violating Iran sanctions.

The U.S. has been intensifying pressure on China by strengthening regulations targeting Huawei.

Since May 2019, during former President Donald Trump's administration, the U.S. began enforcing regulations requiring domestic companies to obtain permission before supplying parts to Huawei for national security reasons.

Additionally, since May last year, foreign companies producing parts using U.S. equipment have also been required to obtain U.S. government approval when supplying parts to Huawei, just like American companies, further tightening restrictions on Huawei.

As a result, Huawei's access to products related to U.S. technology and services has been effectively blocked.