A diplomatic spat is brewing over the use of Chinese technology in Trinidad and Tobago, with the Chinese Embassy rejecting warnings from the United States about the security risks posed by Chinese technology companies.
The Chinese Embassy responded after the US Embassy in Port-of-Spain raised concerns on social media about technology supplied by Chinese firms, including Huawei, ZTE, Hikvision, Hytera, Dahua and DJI.
In an August 21 social media post, the US Embassy said high-risk technologies from the companies were ultimately subject to the Chinese government and warned of potential security threats.
“Chinese law forces these suppliers to cooperate with Beijing’s intelligence services, creating risks of spying, hacking, and network shutdowns,” the US Embassy said.
It urged US partners across the Americas to move away from the Chinese suppliers.
“We urge US partners in the Americas to quickly switch to trusted suppliers to protect their people and their sovereignty,” the embassy said.
The Chinese Embassy has now hit back, rejecting what it described as negative comments from US officials and authorities about Chinese technology companies.
In a Facebook post, the Chinese Embassy said Chinese technology firms had become well known in T&T for advanced technology, competitive pricing and secure and efficient services.
The embassy described the companies as reliable suppliers that strictly comply with local laws, regulations and industry standards. It also said the firms had contributed to T&T’s socio-economic development and job creation.
The Chinese Embassy turned the criticism back on Washington, accusing the United States of having a record of surveillance in the region.
“In stark contrast, the US has long engaged in tapping and surveillance across the region, leaving nations there feeling insecure and distrustful of Washington,” the embassy said.
The Chinese Embassy maintained that its technological and economic cooperation with Latin American and Caribbean countries was not directed at any third party.
“Cooperation between China and Latin America and Caribbean countries does not target any third party and should not be subject to interference by any third party,” it said.
The embassy also warned the US against what it described as political manipulation and interference in the decisions of sovereign states.
“We strongly advise the US to stop its political manipulation, as well as stop interfering with sovereign nations’ right to independently choose cooperation partners,” the embassy stressed.
The exchange comes against the backdrop of wider tensions between Washington and Beijing over telecommunications, artificial intelligence, data security and critical infrastructure.
Chinese telecommunications equipment and technology companies have faced increased scrutiny from the US and other Western governments over concerns about potential links to the Chinese state.
The Chinese government and the companies have repeatedly rejected allegations that their technology is used for espionage. — Andrea Perez-Sobers
