Chinese telecom firms to face US Congress probe over ‘spying’ claims

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Beijing, Nov 22(ANI): Chinese telecom firms will face a US Congress probe over claims that their equipment can be used to disrupt or spy on phone calls and emails. S House of Representatives’ Intelligence Committee confirmed that it would examine “the threat posed by Chinese-owned telecommunications companies working in the United States, and the government’s response to that threat”.

The US alleged that Chinese spies could equip technology with hidden features to eavesdrop on phone calls, emails and or shut down communications in the case of a conflict, The Telegraph reports.

The Pentagon had earlier alleged that Chinese firms, especially Huawei and ZTE maintained military links, which both firms denied.

“Information technology companies in particular, including Huawei, Datang, and Zhongxing [ZTE], maintain close ties to the PLA [People's Liberation Army],” it said.

The Committee Chairman Mike Rogers said it had “serious national security concerns” about Huawei and ZTE.

The new probe comes in the wake of Huawei’s effort to improve its image in the West.

Chinese telecom manufacturers have enjoyed rapid growth in all other markets, including the UK. (ANI)