Reuters reported, citing three unnamed sources, that Trump is considering to sign an executive order as early as in January to indirectly limit US companies purchases of equipment from China’s tech giants Huawei and ZTE. The executive order could invoke the so called International Emergency Economic Powers Act that gives the president authority to regulate companies on national securities ground. It’s believed that, though, Huawei or ZTE wouldn’t be directly named.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying declined to comment on the order. But she said “it’s best to let facts speak for themselves when it comes to security problems.” She added, “some countries have, without any evidence, and making use of national security, tacitly assumed crimes to politicize, and even obstruct and restrict, normal technology exchange activities.” And, “this in reality is undoubtedly shutting oneself off, rather than being the door to openness, progress and fairness.”