The FCC announced it had launched a “wide-ranging investigation” into Chinese corporations including ZTE – a major telecommunications equipment supplier, and Hikvision – the world’s largest maker of surveillance cameras.

The investigation also includes China Mobile International USA and its US subsidiaries China Telecom and China Unicom.

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FCC concerned that Huawei and other Chinese companies are using different methods to evade restrictions on operations in the US. Photo: Shutterstock

According to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, the commission believes some organizations are ignoring US efforts to address security threats from China.

Previously, the FCC revoked some licenses to operate in the US and placed some companies on a restricted list, prohibiting them from selling to the US government.

The investigation comes amid simmering tensions between the US and China over a range of security and foreign policy issues.

The two countries are also embroiled in a new trade war, after President Donald Trump imposed a 10% tariff on imports from China, prompting retaliation from Beijing on US agricultural products and other goods.

In recent years, the US has grown increasingly concerned that telecommunications companies like Huawei could aid Beijing in surveillance activities. However, China and the companies involved have denied the allegations.

Mr. Carr emphasized that the FCC will determine the scope of the investigated companies' operations in the US and "quickly close any loopholes" that could help them evade the law.

The FCC has sent letters asking the companies to provide information about their operations and issued a subpoena to one company. It also wants to determine whether any parties assisted in the circumvention.

Other companies under investigation by the FCC include radio maker Hytera Communications, surveillance camera maker Dahua Technology, telecommunications service provider Pacifica Networks and its subsidiary ComNet.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy in Washington said that Beijing “opposes turning trade and technology issues into political weapons.”

(According to FT)