China's ZTE says it follows law, remains trusted partner of U.S. clients

ZTE has always adhered to laws and remains a trusted partner of U.S. suppliers and customers, the Chinese telecom company said Wednesday, a day after U.S. intelligence officials warned Americans against its products.

A customer tries out ZTE's smartphone AXON M in New York, the U.S., October 17, 2017. [File photo: VCG]

"ZTE is proud of the innovation and security of our products in the U.S. market," a ZTE spokesperson said, adding that the company takes cybersecurity and privacy seriously.

The statement came in response to the U.S. government's recent move to block the entry of select Chinese companies.

On Tuesday, the directors of six top U.S intelligence organizations, including the Central Intelligence Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation and National Security Agency, told the Senate Intelligence Committee that they would not recommend private citizens to use products from ZTE and Huawei, another Chinese telecom company.

In addition, two U.S. senators proposed bills last week to block the use of Huawei and ZTE equipment, stymieing the Chinese companies' expansion in the U.S. market. In January, U.S. telecom companies Verizon and AT&T dropped plans to sell Huawei phones.

"As a publicly traded company, we are committed to adhering to all applicable laws and regulations of the United States, work with carriers to pass strict testing protocols, and adhere to the highest business standards," the ZTE spokesperson added.

It was not the first time the United States has targeted Chinese companies. Fintech firm Ant Financial's plan to acquire U.S. money transfer company MoneyGram International was rejected by the U.S. government panel in January due to "national security concerns."

China has expressed opposition and concerns over rising protectionism in the United States after high-profile planned deals were blocked citing security concerns.