US, Chinese embassies spar on Trini soil over technology

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. 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.