The Chinese telecoms giant and 70 of its affiliates have been placed on an “Entity List”. The list bans companies from acquiring US technologies without the government’s approval.

Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said the President backed the move saying, it was to “prevent American technology from being used by foreign owned entities in ways that potentially undermine U.S. national security or foreign policy interests.”

Earlier in the day the President signed an executive order banning US companies from using telecommunications technology from firms deemed to pose an national security risk.

Read More: France 24