The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced on the 26th that it will prohibit the import of more devices from Chinese manufacturers, including Huawei and ZTE. This expanded ban is the US government's latest move to crack down on Chinese-made electronic devices, citing national security risks.
According to a Central News Agency report, this move expands the FCC's 2022 ban on newly produced telecommunications and video surveillance equipment from Huawei, ZTE, Hytera, Hikvision, and Dahua Technology, also citing risks to US national security.
The FCC stated that the scope of the ban has now been extended to cover older models, not just products designed after the end of 2022. The targeted devices include those used for “public safety, security of government facilities, security surveillance of critical infrastructure entities, and other national security purposes.”
This expanded ban is expected to take effect in early July. The FCC stated that this measure is necessary to “protect national security by mitigating risks to the US communications sector.”
The Chinese Embassy in Washington and the companies involved have not yet responded to reporters' inquiries.
The FCC said it will allow US citizens to continue using devices they already own.
The FCC has taken multiple actions against Chinese technology, including banning the import of all new models of Chinese-made drones in December. In March this year, it banned the import of new models of Chinese-made consumer-grade routers—devices used to connect computers, phones, and smart devices to the network.
This new order does not ban the import of older model drones and routers.
In October last year, the FCC voted 3-0 to block new authorizations for devices containing parts from companies on the list, and to allow the FCC, under certain circumstances, to ban devices previously authorized.
In December last year, Hikvision filed a lawsuit challenging this decision, arguing the FCC had overstepped its authority and lacked a basis for action.
The FCC is also considering banning US telecom operators from interconnecting with Chinese telecom companies, which would effectively prevent Chinese telecom operators from operating US data centers.