US warns Syria against using Chinese communications systems

The United States has warned Syria against relying on Chinese technology in the telecommunications sector, arguing that it runs counter to US interests and threatens US national security.

The message was conveyed during an unannounced meeting between a team from the US State Department and Syrian Communications Minister Abd al Salam Heikal in San Francisco on Tuesday.

Heikal said that Syria was considering buying Chinese technology to support telecom towers and the infrastructure of local internet service providers, while, the US side has asked for clarification on the department’s plans regarding Chinese telecommunications equipment.

Syrian officials have said that infrastructure development projects are time-sensitive, and that Damascus is seeking greater diversification of suppliers.

The meeting in San Francisco said Syria is open to partnering with US companies, but the issue is urgent, and export controls and excessive adherence to them remain a barrier.

A US diplomat familiar with the discussions said that the US State Department has clearly urged Syrians to use US technology or the technology of allied countries in the telecommunications sector, however, it wasn’t clear whether the United States had pledged financial or logistical support to Syria in this regard.

US State Department spokesperson said: “We urge countries to prioritize national security and privacy over the lowest priced equipment and services in all purchases related to critical infrastructure”.

He added, that China’s intelligence and security services have the legal right to force Chinese citizens and companies to share sensitive data or grant them unauthorized access to their customers systems, and that Chinese companies promises to protect their customers privacy are completely contrary to Chinese laws and established practices.

China has repeatedly denied allegations that the technology is being used for espionage purposes.

From its part, the Syria’s Ministry of Communications said that any decisions related to equipment and infrastructure are made in accordance with national technical and security standards, ensuring data protection and service continuity.

The Syrian Ministry of Communications stressed that it attaches priority to diversifying partnerships and technology sources to serve the national interest.

Syria’s telecommunications infrastructure relies heavily on Chinese technology as a result of US sanctions imposed on successive Assad governments over the civil war that erupted following the crackdown on anti-government protests in 2011.

Huawei’s technology makes up more than 50% of Syria’s infrastructure, as Syria is seeking to develop the telecommunications sector, which was devastated during a 14-year war, by attracting foreign investment.

The Ministry of Communications stated that the US restrictions impede the availability of many American technologies and services in the Syrian market, stressing that it welcomes the expansion of cooperation with American companies as soon as these restrictions are lifted.

Meanwhile, Syria suffers from a lack of telecommunications infrastructure, with poor network coverage outside city centers and internet speeds in many areas very poor.