WASHINGTON – With the days in power numbered, Trump’s trade department went ahead on Thursday with rules to let the US block purchases of communications technology from China and five other countries considered foreign opponents.
The rules would not take effect for 60 days, leaving a decision on how and whether they would proceed with the attempt to run President-elect Joe Biden’s government. Mr. Biden’s advisers have said they plan to limit US dependence on Chinese technology, but the new team has not established a specific policy.
“The rules are reasonable,” said a senior administrative official, adding that he thought the new administration “will see the need for it.” A spokesman for Biden declined to comment.
Along with China, Commerce cited Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and the Maduro government of Venezuela as foreign opponents. Shipments of communications hardware, software and other equipment from those countries could be blocked under the new rules because they pose a risk to national security.
Under the proposal, Commerce would have 180 days to decide whether to allow the sale or require changes to a transaction.