China’s ZTE denies US security threat allegation

World
Europe

ZTE has always adhered to law and remains a trusted partner of US suppliers and customers, the Chinese telecom company said on Wednesday, a day after US intelligence officials warned Americans against its products.

"ZTE is proud of the innovation and security of our products in the US market," a ZTE spokesperson said, adding that the company takes cybersecurity and privacy seriously.

The statement came in response to the US government's recent move to block the entry of select Chinese companies.

On Tuesday, the directors of six top US intelligence organizations, including the Central Intelligence Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation and National Security Agency, told the Senate Intelligence Committee that they would not recommend private citizens to use products from ZTE and Huawei, another Chinese telecom company.

In addition, two US senators proposed bills last week to block the use of Huawei and ZTE equipment, stymieing the Chinese companies' expansion in the US market. In January, US telecom companies Verizon and AT&T dropped plans to sell Huawei phones.

"As a publicly traded company, we are committed to adhering to all applicable laws and regulations of the United States, work with carriers to pass strict testing protocols, and adhere to the highest business standards," the ZTE spokesperson added.

It was not the first time the US has targeted Chinese companies.

Fintech firm Ant Financial's plan to acquire US money transfer company MoneyGram International was rejected by a US government panel in January citing "national security concerns."

China in response expressed opposition and concern over rising protectionism in the US.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency