The United States is preparing to impose further restrictions on Chinese telecommunications companies, moving to block their direct access to American phone numbers amid growing concerns over cybersecurity, telephone scams and potential espionage. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced on October 29 that it will vote on November 19 on a proposal targeting China Mobile, China Telecom, China Unicom and other IP-enabled service providers.
The proposed measure would prevent these companies from obtaining direct access to US phone numbers, a facility that allows Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers to offer telephone services through broadband networks at lower costs and with greater flexibility. FCC Chair Brendan Carr said the decision would strengthen the country’s first line of defence against malicious actors and illegal robocallers.
The proposal is part of a broader US effort to reduce the security risks associated with Chinese telecommunications infrastructure. The FCC is also considering restrictions on IP-enabled service providers that use equipment manufactured by companies identified as national security risks, including Huawei and ZTE. Additionally, the agency plans to prohibit Chinese laboratories from testing US electronics beginning in December 2028 and is considering further restrictions on Chinese companies’ access to American telecommunications networks and data centres.
The move also comes against the backdrop of the Salt Typhoon cyber espionage campaign, which Washington attributed to a Chinese state-sponsored hacking group. In late 2024, US authorities accused the group of infiltrating American telecommunications companies, stealing call records and accessing sensitive communications data. The FBI has warned that the threat remains ongoing, reinforcing concerns about the security of critical communications infrastructure.
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Beijing has strongly opposed the proposed restrictions. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun accused Washington of exaggerating national security concerns and abusing state power to suppress Chinese enterprises, warning that China would take necessary measures to protect its legitimate interests. Beijing has consistently denied allegations of involvement in cyber espionage.
The proposed ban marks another significant step in Washington’s efforts to restrict Chinese companies’ access to critical American technology and communications infrastructure. If approved, it would add to existing restrictions on Chinese telecom operators and form part of a wider effort to reduce potential exposure to foreign surveillance, cyberattacks and security vulnerabilities. With further restrictions on network connections and data centre operations also under consideration, the dispute highlights the growing technological and security divide between the United States and China.
