At today's press conference, China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) spokesperson He Yadong addressed several issues affecting international trade relations: Drone exports to the U.S. and Europe, Australian lobster imports, and U.S. efforts to remove Chinese telecom equipment.

A recent report reveals that China is phasing out U.S. chips in its telecom system, a move likely driven by the broader U.S.-China technology rivalry, as both sides seek to bolster the security of their technology supply chains.

China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) announced last week that the government will open up foreign investment in the value-added telecommunication business in some cities as pilot projects.

Earlier this week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that would "direct the President to develop a strategy to eliminate American technologies capable of supporting undersea cables from falling into the hands of our adversaries."

In late February, a bipartisan group of members of the U.S. House of Representatives introduced legislation that would "limit foreign adversaries like China from accessing goods and technologies capable of supporting undersea cables and establishing agreements with allies and partners to do the same." That bill has

Invited by Taiwan's National Communications Commission (NCC), FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr paid a three-day visit to Taiwan, during which time he discussed cybersecurity and telecoms with Taiwan officials. This is the first time that an FCC Commissioner has visited Taiwan.

Starting on May 1, a set of new rules governing foreign-invested telecom companies came into effect. The new rules leave room for the government to lift the current cap on foreign investment in the sector, and to streamline the licensing procedure.