This archive report was first published on 19 November 2019.
On November 19, 2019, the Trump administration announced a two-week extension of a license allowing US companies to continue doing business with Huawei Technologies Company, citing national security concerns.
The extension, which is significantly shorter than the previous 90-day extension, is aimed at minimizing disruption for Huawei's customers, many of whom operate networks in rural areas.
According to Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, some rural carriers need the temporary licenses and are dependent on Huawei for 3G and 4G networks. Ross stated, "There are enough problems with telephone service in the rural communities - we don’t want to knock them out. So, one of the main purposes of the temporary general licenses is to let those rural guys continue to operate," during an interview with Fox Business Network.
The development comes amid discussions between the United States and China aimed at coming to an initial agreement to resolve a trade war that has lasted for over a year.
However, Attorney General William Barr has expressed concerns about Huawei and ZTE Corp, stating that they "cannot be trusted." Huawei has declined to comment on the matter, with a spokesman saying the company does not comment on rumors and speculation.
