US Limits Tech Imports, Hits China Again

China found itself again in US crosshairs after Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross issued an interim rule restricting purchases of network technology and software from several countries. Ross expressed concerns about supply chain security.

The rule is set to take effect in 60 days and will limit ICT transactions with adversaries including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba and Venezuela while it remains under the control of Nicolas Maduro. A licensing process to authorise deals will be implemented within 120 days.

Ross stated the move would protect American citizens and businesses from vulnerabilities that could undermine the confidentiality, integrity and availability of their personal information or sensitive data. Procedures the Secretary would use to identify threats were later detailed by the Department of Commerce.