Copyright reuters
WASHINGTON, Oct 28 (Reuters) - The United States tightened rules on telecoms gear made by Chinese companies deemed a national security risk, the latest move in a broader crackdown on Beijing. The Federal Communications Commission voted 3-0 on Tuesday to block new approvals for devices with parts from companies on its "Covered List" and to allow the agency to bar previously approved equipment in certain cases. "These present loopholes that bad actors could use to threaten the security of our networks," FCC Chair Brendan Carr said. "America's foreign adversaries are constantly looking for ways to exploit any vulnerabilities in our system." Advertisement · Scroll to continue The telecoms regulator previously named companies including Huawei, ZTE (000063.SZ), opens new tab, China Mobile (600941.SS), opens new tab and China Telecom (601728.SS), opens new tab to the so-called "Covered List," which bars the FCC from authorizing the import or sale of new equipment from those companies. This month Carr said major U.S. online retail websites had removed several million listings for prohibited Chinese electronics as part of a crackdown by the agency. The items removed were on the list or were not authorized by the agency, such as home security cameras and smart watches from companies including Huawei, Hangzhou Hikvision (002415.SZ), opens new tab, ZTE and Dahua Technology Co (002236.SZ), opens new tab. Advertisement · Scroll to continue Hikvision opposes extending restrictions to previously approved models, arguing the FCC is overstepping its authority. "This order is not based on any product-specific evidence," Hikvision said, adding it will "impose unnecessary harm on U.S. communities and small businesses that rely on safe, compliant, and already authorized security systems." The FCC issued a national security notice this month reminding companies of prohibited items including video surveillance equipment. The FCC on October 15 said it was moving to revoke the authority of leading Hong Kong telecom carrier HKT, a subsidiary of PCCW (0008.HK), opens new tab, to operate in the United States, citing national security concerns. In March, the FCC said it was investigating nine Chinese companies on the Covered List including Huawei, ZTE, Hytera Communications (002583.SZ), opens new tab, Dahua Technology Co, Pacific Networks Corp and its ComNet subsidiary and China Unicom (Americas) (0762.HK), opens new tab. Ad Break Coming Up NEXT StayNext OffEnglish 180p288p360p480p540p576p720pHD1080pHDAuto (180p) About ConnatixV2125200913 About ConnatixV2125200913 Continue watchingafter the adVisit Advertiser websiteGO TO PAGE The FCC previously barred some Chinese companies from providing telecommunications services in the United States, citing national security concerns. Last month, the FCC began proceedings to withdraw recognition from seven test labs owned or controlled by the Chinese government, citing national security concerns. Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Andrea Ricci and Howard Goller Purchase Licensing Rights
