If you caught 60 Minutes this weekend you might recall seeing Mike Rogers, chairman of the US Congress’ Intelligence Committee, urging American consumers to avoid purchasing products from Chinese mobile manufacturers Huawei and ZTE. Today the results of his groups 11-month investigation will be published to further detail the companies as threats to the security of our nation.
The report, of which Reuters has obtained an early look, calls into question the ties both Huawei and ZTE have to the Chinese government, and further claims both parties did not willingly cooperate with the investigation. The accusations against Huawei seem to be the strongest, with the report pointing to allegations of “bribery, corruption, discriminatory behavior and copyright infringement.”
ZTE has responded, expressing their disagreement with the findings of the committee and calling the accusations “baseless.” For two manufacturers attempting to broaden their impact in the US market, the news likely means an even greater uphill climb.
[via Reuters]