WASHINGTON – With its days in power numbered, the Trump administration’s Commerce Department moved on Thursday with rules to allow the U.S. to block communications technology purchases from China and five other countries considered foreign adversaries.
The rules would only go into effect for 60 days, leaving a decision on how and if we would carry out the effort for President-elect Joe Biden’s administration. Biden’s aides said they intended to limit the US’s dependence on Chinese technology, but the new team did not set specific policies.
“The rules are reasonable,” said a senior government official, adding that he believes the next government “will see the need for them.” A spokesman for Biden declined to comment.
Along with China, Trade appointed Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba and Venezuela’s Maduro government as foreign adversaries. Shipments of hardware, software and other communication equipment from these countries can be blocked under the new rules as they represent a national security risk.
Under the proposal, the Commerce Department would have 180 days to decide whether to allow sales or require modifications to a transaction.