ZTE says it’s seeking a solution to US tech ban

ZTE Corp., one of China’s biggest tech companies, said yesterday that it is taking steps to comply with a U.S. technology ban and that it is seeking a solution to the issue it says threatens its survival.

The ban on state-owned ZTE was imposed last Monday in a case involving exports of telecoms equipment to Iran and North Korea. U.S. companies are barred from selling technology to ZTE for seven years.

The penalty comes as tensions mount between Beijing and President Donald Trump over technology policy, though the case dates to before Trump took office in January 2017.

ZTE pleaded guilty in March 2017 and agreed to pay a USD1.19 billion penalty for having shipped equipment to Iran and North Korea in violation of U.S. regulations. The company promised to discipline employees involved in the scheme, but the U.S. Commerce Department said last week that they were paid bonuses instead.

The company said yesterday in a statement on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange that since 2016, it has “learnt from its past experiences on export control compliance” and “attaches significant importance” to the work.

It described steps taken that include the setting up of a committee on compliance led directly by the chief executive officer and a team of experts as well as training for employees.

“The Company has taken and is taking steps to comply with the denial order,” the statement said, referring to the ban issued by the Commerce Department. “The Company is making active communications with relevant parties and seeking a solution.”

The sanctions could handicap ZTE’s global business selling smartphones that use Google Inc.’s Android system and network gear for phone and internet companies that incorporates U.S. chips and other technology.

The sales ban also could disrupt a multibillion-dollar revenue flow to U.S. companies such as Qualcomm Inc. that supply chips, software and other technology. AP