China Unicom: U.S. Move Against China Telecom Will Disrupt Global Communications

U.S.-China – On June 9, China Unicom's U.S. subsidiary warned that a Trump administration proposal to ban China's three major telecom operators could severely disrupt global communication networks. In documents submitted to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), China Unicom stated that the proposal "would harm American companies with significant commercial interests and supply chains in the United States."

The FCC said in early April it is considering banning three major Chinese telecom firms from operating their data centers in the U.S. and prohibiting American telecom carriers from interconnecting with these Chinese operators, citing national security risks posed by these companies.

China Unicom stated: "Telecom operators funded by China collectively form the primary channel for communication traffic between the United States and China, the world’s two largest economies." "A complete ban on interconnection with these entities would fundamentally undermine a critical part of the global communications network."

The FCC did not immediately comment, but earlier in April it had indicated it was considering blocking Chinese telecom companies with data centers in the U.S. or with "access points" at internet exchange points from connecting with other companies.

This move would effectively force Chinese telecom operators out of the U.S. market. The FCC may also prohibit telecom carriers from interconnecting with companies that have equipment from firms on restricted lists.

On October 15, the FCC announced it would initiate proceedings to revoke HKT (a subsidiary of PCCW), Hong Kong’s major telecom operator, from operating in the United States.

Last December, the FCC banned the import of all new Chinese-made drones; in March this year, the FCC prohibited the import of newly manufactured Chinese consumer routers—devices that connect computers, smartphones, and smart devices to the internet.

On April 10, in response to U.S. actions, China’s Embassy in the United States emphasized that Beijing "has consistently opposed the broadening of national security concepts and the abuse of state power to suppress Chinese enterprises."

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1867569764117516/

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