US steps up pressure on Chinese telecom firms

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is looking to strip three Chinese firms of their US operating licenses.

China Unicom Americas, Pacific Networks and ComNet have failed to explain their links to Beijing, the US communications watchdog said.

The FCC voted unanimously on Wednesday to revoke the licenses of the three companies, a move that could see them expelled from the US.

The move signals that President Joe Biden is likely continue Donald Trump’s tough approach on Chinese tech firms. The FCC has long argued that such firms could pose a national security risk because of their closeness to the Chinese government which may leave them vulnerable to its “exploitation, influence, and control.”

While the companies have tried to address the FCC’s concerns, it has not accepted their explanations, an FCC spokesperson said.