What’s New: The U.S. will impose visa restrictions on certain employees of Chinese technology companies, including Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said Wednesday in a press briefing.
The announcement is the latest move by the U.S. to contain the Chinese telecom equipment giant, which is at the center of the power clash between the world’s two largest economies.
The Trump administration stepped up efforts to bar Huawei, citing the company as a threat to national security. Huawei has repeatedly denied the allegations.
Background: Pompeo’s announcement followed the British government’s decision to stop using Huawei gear in the country’s 5G network. Britain will completely eliminate all existing Huawei gear by the end of 2027, the U.K. government said Tuesday.
The decision marked a major reversal after the U.K. in January said it would grant the Chinese telecom giant restricted access to the country’s next-generation wireless network. It came after months of pressure from the U.S., which has urged allies to ban the Chinese company.
Contact reporter Han Wei (weihan@caixin.com) and editor Bob Simison (bobsimison@caixin.com)
Related: U.K. Bans Huawei From 5G Networks in Major Policy U-Turn
