US Cautions Against Chinese Search Equipment Following 5G Communication Concerns

Attempt to Regulate Newtek Security Screening Equipment Following Huawei Devices

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 28th (local time) that the United States is pressuring European allies to exclude the Chinese state-owned security screening equipment company 'Newtek'.

Visitors are consulting at Newtec's exhibition booth. (Photo by Newtec website)

This move is considered significant as the US's concerns have expanded from Chinese telecommunications equipment companies like Huawei and ZTE to other sectors.

According to WSJ, under the leadership of the White House National Security Council (NSC), the US is conducting a campaign to pressure European countries including Greece, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, and Germany to exclude Newtek. Newtek manufactures cargo and passenger screening equipment used at airports, ports, and borders.

WSJ reports that the US is concerned that various cargo lists collected through Newtek equipment, as well as personal information such as fingerprints and passports, could be transferred to Chinese authorities.

Newtek was once managed by Hu Haifeng, the son of former Chinese President Hu Jintao, and last year, China National Nuclear Corporation, a Chinese state-owned nuclear power company, reportedly became the largest shareholder of Newtek's parent company.

According to recent documents prepared by the US State Department, Newtek is used in more than 12 countries within Europe. Despite US pressure, Finland recently selected Newtek as the provider of cargo screening equipment to be installed at the border with Russia.

WSJ reported that Newtek denied the US government's suspicions, stating that they do not store personal information nor receive government support or directives.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.