The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) considered the Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei to be a threat to the national security of the United States, maintaining pressure on Beijing that some believed could be mitigated under the new Biden government.
The FCC announced on Friday that the company, as well as four other Chinese companies, are presenting “An unacceptable risk to US national security or the security and protection of US people.”
Acting head of the regulator, Jessica Rosenworcel, said the change would help “Restore confidence” on US communications networks. She did not explain what specific actions 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 government has issued new restrictions on Huawei, preventing American companies from providing Chinese telecom products that can be used on 5G devices. Previously, American companies had been authorized to supply components to Huawei, provided they requested permission from the United States government.
Beijing hit the new rule as “Irrational suppression” aimed at Chinese companies, and accused Washington of “Violating the principles of market economy and fair competition”.
Huawei’s designation as a national security threat corresponds to the hard-line policy implemented by Donald Trump’s previous government. In June, the FCC blacklisted the company as a danger to US interests, preventing American companies from using a $ 8.3 billion government 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 government 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 tone may change as soon as Biden takes office.
In launching a tariff war against Beijing, the Trump administration pressured Washington’s allies to reject business with Huawei and avoid using Chinese technology when developing its 5G networks. Both the Chinese government and Huawei have repeatedly denied that the company poses a threat to the United States or any other nation.
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