The U.S. plans to ban Chinese mobile modules, which would severely damage devices with smartphones

Brief about the situation

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has tightened its oversight of Chinese technology companies in recent months: it banned the sale of drones and internet routers from China, and began removing Chinese labs from the consumer electronics certification process. Currently, 75 % of testing—about 40,000 devices a year—is conducted in China.

Who is behind this?

FCC Chair Brendan Carr is implementing these measures while preparing for a visit by U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping to Beijing. Although the White House officially advocates a cautious approach toward China after the trade truce in South Korea, Carr continues to “toughly” regulate the tech sector.

- Trump did not impose strict export controls and froze plans for sanctions against Chinese intelligence (Operation Salt Typhoon).
- The FCC remains independent of those decisions: Trump values Carr’s decisive stance on broadcasting regulation and his criticism of “fake news media.”

As Lisa Tobin, a CNAS expert who previously worked at the NSC, notes, the FCC operates outside the president’s purview on technology security issues, giving Carr freedom to act.

Problems with Chinese labs

The FCC emphasizes the risk of sending sensitive technologies for testing in adversary countries: product tampering, IP theft, and supply chain disruptions are possible. In its “unreliable laboratories” initiative, Carr noted that Huawei managed a test lab that monitored the presence of proprietary equipment in certified devices.

Possible ban on cellular modules

There is now discussion about adding Chinese cellular communication modules (Quectel, Fibocom, China Mobile, Sunsea, MeiG) to the list of prohibited goods. These modules control more than 70 % of the global market and are regularly updated with software, opening potential espionage channels. Former British diplomat Charles Parton warned: “If you think dependence on rare earth metals is a serious problem, wait until you’re dependent on cellular modules – that’s much worse.”

Historical context

In 2019 and 2021 Congress expanded the FCC’s authority: the commission must now compile a list of goods posing security threats and prohibit their certification. According to Zandzi Nakazava, head of the FCC’s Public Safety Bureau, Carr “fueled the process with rocket fuel.”

China’s reaction

The Chinese Embassy in Washington announced a firm protest against the drone and router ban. The U.S., they say, is well informed about Beijing’s stance and ready to engage in dialogue.