Huawei among 5 Chinese firms designated by US for posing 'risk to security'

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) which is an independent US ncy that regulates communications, on March 12 designated five Chinese companies that are posing as a threat to national security under a 2019 law aimed at safeguarding communications networks. In a statement on Friday, FCC said that companies include Huawei Techlogies Co, ZTE Corp, Hytera Communications Corp, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Techlogy Co and Dahua Techlogy Co.

2019 law that has been cited by independent US ncy, Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act, is to identify companies producing telecommunication equipment as well as services “that have been found to pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security." Amid soaring tensions between United States and China, acting FCC Chairperson Jessica Rosenworcel in a statement termed list of five Chinese companies as a “big step” and “meaningful guidance” in order to ensure that next-generation networks are built across United States. 

"This list is a big step toward restoring trust in our communications networks. Americans are relying on our networks more than ever to work, go to school, or access healthcare, and we need to trust that se communications are safe and secure," said Acting Chairperson Rosenworcel. 

She added, "This list provides meaningful guidance that will ensure that as next-generation networks are built across country, y do t repeat mistakes of past or use equipment or services that will pose a threat to U.S. national security or security and safety of Americans."

Huawei, Hikvision and ors in US ecomic blacklist

Earlier, in June 2020, former US President Donald Trump administration had determined that top China-based firms including telecoms equipment giant Huawei Techlogies as well as video surveillance company Hikvision are owned and controlled by Chinese military. In 2019, United States had even placed both companies on a trade blacklist over national security concerns. 

US also incensed an international campaign to convince allies to exclude Huawei from ir respective 5G networks. Furr, reports even a Department of Defence (DOD) document listed 20 companies operating in United States that Washington alleges are backed by Asian country’s army.