Washington: The United States has announced a fresh round of restrictions on Chinese technology imports, expanding an existing ban on telecommunications and surveillance equipment over national security concerns. The new rules, issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will take effect in July 2026.
Under the updated regulations, the FCC will prohibit the import of older models of telecommunications and video surveillance equipment manufactured by major Chinese companies, including Huawei Technologies, ZTE, Hytera Communications, Hikvision, and Dahua Technology. These firms were previously designated as posing national security risks by U.S. authorities.
The move significantly broadens restrictions introduced in 2022, which barred only newly approved models from entering the U.S. market. The latest order extends the prohibition to certain previously approved products, aiming to prevent stockpiling and close regulatory loopholes.
FCC officials said the decision is intended to strengthen the security of U.S. communications networks and critical infrastructure. The agency has argued that equipment from the listed companies could pose risks if deployed in government facilities, emergency services, telecommunications networks or surveillance systems.
The latest action is part of a broader U.S. strategy to reduce dependence on Chinese technology. In recent months, the FCC has also restricted new Chinese-made drones, tightened rules on consumer networking equipment and proposed stricter controls on submarine communication cable infrastructure.
Chinese companies have consistently denied that their products pose security threats. Hikvision has challenged previous FCC decisions in U.S. courts, arguing that the agency exceeded its legal authority. Beijing has also criticized Washington’s technology restrictions, describing them as politically motivated and harmful to normal trade relations.
The expanded import ban comes amid continuing strategic competition between the United States and China over advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, telecommunications and semiconductor supply chains. Analysts believe the latest measures are likely to further strain bilateral relations while accelerating efforts by both countries to develop more self-reliant technology ecosystems.
