White House executive order that would bar Huawei from US will be released within days, American officials say
- The sweeping executive order demands an investigation into the risk posed by telecommunications equipment from countries considered US adversaries, sources say
- A public signing ceremony by US President Donald Trump is said to have been scrapped in a bid to limit the fallout from China
The White House is preparing a sweeping executive order that could bar Chinese companies from selling equipment for use in future US telecommunications networks, claiming Beijing could exploit the technology to carry out cyber intrusions and espionage.
The draft order in its current form does not name China, or any individual companies, say current and former officials who have read it.
But the main target of the order, expected to be released in days, is Huawei, the world’s largest telecommunications equipment manufacturer and one of the largest producers of consumer electronics.
The order would not affect US consumer electronics companies whose products incorporate components from China, the current and former US officials say.
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Huawei’s attempts to penetrate the US market have alarmed intelligence agencies for years.
The order is certain to further inflame tensions with Beijing as the Trump administration seeks to conclude a trade deal with China. US officials insist the proposed executive order is unrelated to the trade negotiations.