By Elsie Kamsiyochi
The Trump administration has unveiled another major step in its ongoing campaign to restrict the presence of Chinese-made technology in America’s communications networks.
On Friday, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced a new proposal that would broaden existing restrictions by formally banning the import of previously approved Chinese telecommunications and surveillance equipment, marking one of the most sweeping regulatory actions yet in Washington’s tech-security standoff with Beijing.
The proposal represents an expansion of rules first implemented in 2022, when the FCC blocked the authorization of new devices from several major Chinese manufacturers. The new measure signals that the United States is moving beyond limiting future imports and is now prepared to halt the entry of older, already-authorized equipment — a step that could affect a wide range of consumer electronics, routers, communications devices, and surveillance systems.
A Deepening Crackdown
The FCC’s latest initiative targets companies Washington has long accused of posing national security risks, including China’s telecom giants Huawei and ZTE, as well as surveillance-technology manufacturers Hytera, Hikvision, and Dahua. These firms were placed on the FCC’s “Covered List” in 2021, a designation reserved for suppliers whose equipment is believed to threaten the integrity of U.S. communications infrastructure or expose networks to potential Chinese government interference.
According to the FCC, allowing continued importation of previously approved devices would leave critical gaps in U.S. network security. The commission said it has reached a tentative conclusion that a broader import ban is “necessary to protect national security by mitigating risks to the U.S. communications sector.”
The agency is now seeking public input on how far the restrictions should go — including whether to completely bar the continued import of any equipment tied to those companies, even if it was originally authorized before the 2022 ruling.
Safeguards and Industry Impact
While the proposal could disrupt supply chains for retailers and tech distributors, the FCC clarified that Americans who already own affected devices will still be allowed to use them. However, officials warned that once the order is finalized, it may be enforced immediately to prevent a last-minute surge of new imports.
The crackdown is part of a larger wave of actions by the Trump administration to curb Chinese influence in the U.S. technology ecosystem:
- In December, the FCC banned all new Chinese-made drone models from entering the country.
- Just last week, it issued a new rule blocking Chinese-made consumer internet routers, a market segment used widely in homes and small businesses.
- In late 2025, the commission voted unanimously to block new approvals for devices containing parts from companies on its Covered List — a move that has sparked several legal challenges.
One of the most prominent challenges comes from Hikvision, which filed a lawsuit last December arguing that the FCC had overstepped its authority and was improperly revoking lawful authorizations. The company has already suffered a setback: in February 2025, a U.S. appeals court rejected its attempt to overturn the 2022 ban on new approvals.
Growing Tensions With China
The Chinese government and at least some of the companies involved have declined to comment on the newest proposal. However, Beijing has repeatedly denied the U.S. allegations, calling them politically motivated and lacking evidence. China has also accused the United States of attempting to stifle Chinese innovation and unfairly disadvantage its global tech sector.
The move comes as U.S.–China relations continue to deteriorate, with both countries imposing reciprocal restrictions on technology, investment, and critical infrastructure. The FCC has also taken steps to withdraw recognition from testing labs affiliated with the Chinese government, potentially further tightening the pipeline for any tech products seeking entry into the U.S. market.
What’s Next?
The FCC will accept public comments on the proposal before issuing a final decision. If enacted, the rule would significantly expand Washington’s authority to regulate existing technology imports and would represent a new phase in the tech-security confrontation between the world’s two largest economies.
As the geopolitical rivalry deepens, U.S. officials appear increasingly committed to reducing Chinese hardware’s presence in American networks — a shift that could reshape the country’s tech landscape for years.
Original article
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