Workers from China Telecom install mini 5G base stations at a telephone booth in Shanghai on Friday. The company is expected to install similar 5G equipment in more than 100 telephone booths by the end of the year. China is investing billions of yuan in the field. Photo: AFP

Chinese officials have urged the US to withdraw its decision to revoke the authorization for China Telecom's US subsidiary tooperate in the US, and treat Chinese telecom companies with a "fair, non-discriminatory" attitude, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) on Wednesday.

The statement was issued after the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently voted to order China Telecom Americas (CTA), China Telecom's US unit, to stop providing telecommunication services in the US. It made the decision on the alleged groundsthat China Telecom is subject to influence by the Chinese government.

"We urge the US to stop its wrong action of politicizing economic issues and provide a fair, non-discriminatory environment for Chinese companies to invest and operate in the US," the MIIT statement said.

According to the MIIT, the US has repeatedly placed sanctions on Chinese companies in recent years taking the excuse of national security regardless of the facts. The move may seriously damage of international trade rules, and China will take necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights of Chinese firms.

According to the statement, the CTA has operated for nearly 20 years in the US, with a record of full compliance with US laws and regulatory requirements. The firm has provided quality commercial services to a wide range ofUS clients.

"The US has revoked the company's authority to operate in the US purely based on its doubts and subjective speculation, which will tarnish the US image as a market-oriented country in the world, but has damaged the rights of global consumers including US clients," the MIIT noted. 

China Telecom also issued a statement stressing that the firm has operated strictly in line with local laws in China and overseas markets including the US. 

"The FCC's decision lacks reasonable ground, and has hurt the CTA's legitimate rights and interests," China Telecom noted, adding that it will remain in contact with its US subsidiary and assess the impact of the US government decision on its business operations. . 

Global Times