The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) saw Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei as a threat to US national security, and maintained pressure on Beijing that some say could be eased by the new Biden administration.
The FCC announced on Friday that the firm, as well as four other Chinese companies, are posing “An unacceptable risk to U.S. national security or the safety and security of U.S. individuals.”
The acting head of the regulator, Jessica Rosenworcel, said the move would help “Restoring trust” in American communications networks. She did not explain what specific steps would be taken against Chinese companies. Huawei has not yet responded to the designation.
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The decision comes just a day after Bloomberg reported that the Biden administration had issued new restrictions on Huawei, preventing U.S. businesses from providing Chinese telecommunications with products that could be used in 5G devices. U.S. companies have previously been allowed to supply components from Huawei, provided they have sought permission from the U.S. government.
Beijing tightened the new rule as “Unreasonable repression” targeting Chinese companies, accusing Washington of “Violation of the principles of market economy and fair competition.”
Huawei’s designation as a national security threat is in line with the harsh policies implemented by the previous government under Donald Trump. In June, the FCC blacklisted the firm as a threat to U.S. interests, preventing U.S. businesses from using a $ 8.3 billion state fund to buy equipment from companies. Huawei filed a lawsuit against the designation last month.
The Chinese technology giant has expressed hope that the new administration will take a different approach to trade issues. Victor Zhang, the company’s vice president, said in an interview in November that the attacks on Huawei were politically motivated and part of a “Trade War” between the US and China, adding that Washington’s tune will likely change once Biden takes office.
When the Trump administration launched a tariff war against Beijing, they put Washington’s allies under pressure to reject business with Huawei and not use Chinese technology while developing their 5G networks. Both the Chinese government and Huawei have repeatedly denied that the firm poses a threat to the US or any other nation.
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