The Trump administration released a new 90-day extension on Monday, Nov. 18, allowing US companies to continue to do business with China’s Huawei Technologies as US regulators continue to develop rules for businesses telecommunications risks to national security.
After adding Huawei to an economic blacklist in May, citing national security concerns, the US Department of Commerce allowed it to buy US-made products as part of a series of 90-day license extensions aimed at to minimize disruption for its customers. who operate networks in rural America.
Reuters on Sunday announced the planned 90-day extension after the Trump administration initially scheduled a two-week short-term reprieve, but had encountered bureaucratic problems and opted for an additional 90-day extension.
“The extension of the temporary general license will allow carriers to continue serving customers in some of the most remote areas of the United States that would otherwise be left in the dark,” said US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. in a statement.
“The ministry will continue to closely monitor exports of sensitive technologies to ensure that our innovations are not exploited by those who threaten our national security.”
In May, US President Donald Trump also signed a decree declaring a national emergency prohibiting US companies from using telecommunications equipment manufactured by companies posing a risk to national security.
The Department of Commerce has been tasked with developing an implementation plan in mid-October, but has not yet been released.
The Commerce Department is also studying the possibility of granting individual licenses to US companies for the sale of components to Huawei after receiving more than 200 applications. No action on these was taken Monday.
This development comes as part of discussions between the United States and China to reach an initial agreement to resolve a trade war that has lasted more than a year.