Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei's global influence has been steadily growing in recent years , and the U.S. governments concern has been growing along with it.
Fearing that the spread of Chinese-made cellphones , routers and other equipment may render Western countries , including those that share the most sensitive intelligence with the United States ,vulnerable to Beijing , Washington has tried to hold Huawei accountable for alleged intellectual-property theft-while discouraging key allies such as Britain Australia and New Zealand from relying on Huawei technology.
What's ultimately at stake here is the futureof 5G networks around the world-the ultrafast connection systems that will soorlink smartphones , enable driverless automobiles and , potentially , revolutionize warfare.
Now the Trump administration hae scalated to a new level , requiring that all U.S. firms seek federal approval before selling to Huawei. Though not an outright ban on sales , it is amaior restriction because Huawei'sproducts rely on inputs purchased from no fewer than 30 U.S. companies , and now those will be subject to government licensing . Huawei says it has stockpiled a12 month-supply of U S-made inputs inanticipation of just such a move.
If the Trump administrations latest steprepresents a deliberate attempt to bringdown Huawei , it is not justified . In thatsense , the administration owes the publicmore transparency about its intentions.
