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Trump directs government to minimize procurement from China

Published 01/15/2021, 06:07 PM
Updated 01/15/2021, 06:15 PM
© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: G20 leaders summit in Osaka

© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: G20 leaders summit in Osaka

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - In another action against China days before he leaves office, U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday directed government departments to look at ways to minimize procurement of Chinese goods and services to reduce the risks from espionage, his national security adviser said.

In a statement, Robert O'Brien accused China of targeting the information systems of the U.S. government for personnel records, military plans, and other data through cyber and other means.

"For this reason, the United States must take corresponding actions to protect American interests. We must adjust our regulations and policies and take other necessary actions to reduce the risk of PRC technical and human espionage activities directed at the Federal Government," he said, referring to the People's Republic of China.

He said Trump had directed government bodies to conduct reviews "to minimize the procurement of People’s Republic of China (PRC) goods and services by the Federal Government."

O'Brien did not give examples of the procurement he referred to, but a senior administration official said a key aim was to push back against Chinese attempts to infiltrate U.S. IT networks.

"Anything having to do with Chinese companies that are going to have kit components in our network could potentially become a vulnerability that could be used to continue China's military-civil fusion strategy," the official said.

"If there's hardware, for example, that would make its way into our networks, that's the sort of stuff that could pose a potential vulnerability."

The announcement comes less than a week before Trump leaves office to be succeeded by Democrat Joe Biden on Jan. 20. It was the latest in a series of steps targeting China, which analysts see as a bid to lock in a tough approach to Beijing.

Trump has pursued hard-line policies toward China on issues ranging from trade to espionage and the coronavirus. Relations plummeted to their worst level in decades when he ramped up rhetoric in his unsuccessful re-election campaign.

Latest comments

will trump stop using chinese products at his hotels and golf courses, can't as china is where he got his financing from.
Thank God Trump will be our President
get a life, preferably in another country.
Trump needs throw his pants, because the pants may be sending his body data to China 🤣
America is a good customer for China and China is good customer for America .thumbs down if you want but the friendship is deep
If any company or businesses doing some kind of spying there are specialized departments everywhere to handle that . Nothing that America can't clear. China is an American ally . If China stop trusting America Biden mission is going to be very difficult to restore things .China is waiting for Biden to see is this for real .
5 days before Biden see to it .
Lol...I told you guys... this period belongs to China. I think we can try all we want, but China will rise year after year. I watched YouTubers showing me how great China is today, and I believed it...
Why not prohibit it altogether right away?
Jason.. Let American learn their own lesson.. We just watch the movie.. Trump is out.. 1 down
LOL..
if separate, only papers left in US.
shaming allies till the last days of service is not patriotism . it's understanding the differences well now the Chinese lunar New Year Chinese people will come to visit the great wall of America built by president Camacho.
Not cooperating with incoming administration will cost you. Chinese can be rude arrogant and proud of there culture.
Dear ridha.. Are you speaking for yourself? Remember when point your finger towards someone.. Three fingers pointing back to you
Its long overdue that Americans stop buying MADE IN CHINA. Which part of Feeding the Hand that Bites you dont't Americans understand?
Yah.. You are right.. As I say before.. Please burn everything that's is made in China inside your house.. And tell us what you have after that.. Maybe potatoes chips I guess
Take down the CCP!
Take down yourself first!
The Chinese communist party is the greatest evil on earth, other than Satan himself [George Soros].
Wow Bob.. You became spokesman for Satan.. Congratulations
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