"This is a needed step and reflects the reality that Huawei and ZTE represent a threat to the security of US and allied communications networks. Under current Chinese security laws, these and other companies based in China are required to provide assistance to the Chinese state," Senator Mark Warner said. "Earlier this year Congress acted well within our constitutional authority to block Huawei from our telecommunications equipment market due to concerns with the company's links to China's intelligence services," he said. "As the administration continues to seek a fair and enforceable trade deal with China, I urge them to stand strong on Huawei and hold the Chinese government and its state-owned and state-directed enterprises accountable for their hostile actions threatening US economic and national security," Rubio added. "Let's cut to the chase: China's main export is espionage and the distinction between the Chinese Communist Party and Chinese 'private-sector' businesses like Huawei is imaginary," Senator Ben Sasse said.The Trump administration is right to recognise this reality and issue this order, he said.The US and China are locked in a trade battle that has seen mounting tariffs, sparking fears the conflict will damage the global economy.

Source: Economic Times May 16, 2019 06:00 UTC