Democrats warned not to use devices made by Chinese manufacturers: Report

Caitlin Yilek

August 03, 2018 06:59 PM

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/democrats-warned-not-to-use-devices-made-by-chinese-manufacturers-report

The Democratic National Committee has warned candidates not to use devices made by Chinese manufactures ZTE and Huawei under any circumstances, according to a report.

The DNC issued the directive after it learned a Democratic organization was considering buying ZTE phones for its staff, CNN reported Friday.

"It's very important that party and campaign workers not use ZTE or Huawei devices, even if the price is low or free," Bob Lord, the DNC's chief security officer, wrote in the warning obtained by CNN.

“Please make sure that you are not using or purchasing ZTE or Huawei devices anywhere within your staff - for personal or work-related use."

Top intelligence and natural security officials told the Senate Intelligence Committee in February that the Chinese devices could be a security threat to Americans who buy them. ZTE is one of the world’s largest telecommunications companies.

"It provides the capacity to maliciously modify or steal information," FBI Director Christoper Wray said. "And it provides the capacity to conduct undetected espionage." ZTE and Huawei have denied they pose a security risk.

In June, the U.S. government reached an agreement with ZTE to lift an export ban on the company, which has been imposed since April, that prohibited any American businesses from selling products to the company for seven years. ZTE paid a $1.4 billion fine and put $400 million of that amount into escrow as collateral against potential future violations.