It seems like Chinese companies like Huawei and ZTE can’t seem to catch a break in the US market. Both companies have in the past been accused of spying for the Chinese government, but in recent times ZTE has been hit with a US export ban which prevents them from buying US technology.The company had previously called the ban “unfair” and vowed to fight it, but they have also since released more lengthy, detailed, and formal statement on the matter. In the statement, ZTE basically argues against the ban claiming that they have been doing everything they can to comply with the accusations.
For those unfamiliar with why ZTE was banned based on a court case several years ago where they were accused of selling technology from the US to Iran, who at that time was under US sanctions. ZTE settled the case then and fired the executives who were involved with the deals, but fast forward to today it seems that it wasn’t enough, although ZTE’s statement suggests that they have already paid their dues.
According to the company, “ZTE will not give up its efforts to resolve the issue through communication, and we are also determined, if necessary, to take judicial measures to protect the legal rights and interests of our Company, our employees and our shareholders, and to fulfill obligations and take responsibilities to our global customers, end-users, partners and suppliers.”
In the meantime the ban could have some disastrous consequences on ZTE’s business where they could lose their Android license. Recent reports however have claimed that as a result of the ban, development on homegrown chipsets in China have apparently sped up in a bid to reduce reliance on western companies.